SJS 8: A Way Forward for Hemispheric Trade

Source: Farnsworth, Eric. "A Way Forward for Hemispheric Trade." Current History 108.715 (2009): 90. Print.

Author Bio: Eric Farnsworth is the vice president of the Americas Society and Council of the Americas. He is an expert on United States foreign and trade policy, specifically on hemispheric matters, with an MPA in International Affairs from Princeton. Mr. Farnsworth previously worked in the U.S. Department of State, as well as the White House Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas. Some of his additional areas of expertise include congressional affairs, energy, and national security affairs.

Summary: The article begins by addressing job creation as the most urgent need for their development of Latin American economies. In order for job creation to occur however, trade and investing must flourish across all nations. Subsequently, new trade strategies must be instituted, even the U.S's, as the existing one is incapable of carrying out the job. This United States current trade strategy is known as competitive liberalization, which was effective for quite a while but has now lead some of the countries to sever agreements with one another. By doing so, the United States is now in a commerical disadvantage. In addition, this method was bound to expire anyways because there is a finite number of nations willing to trade with America, and not too many are interested in working our a free trade deal with the U.S. either. Despite all of this, an increase in trade across the Americas appears to have a hopeful outlook for strengthening all of many economies. Farnsworth mentions that initiative to negotiate and renew existing trade agreements, such as the NAFTA, is the first step towards reaching the hefty goal of creating The Free Trade Area, the 1990's proposition at should remain a long term goal for the countries of the Americas.

Analysis: This article evaluates the need for job creation in Latin America economies , and provides reasons why it is not possible to do so currently. Farnsworth goes into detail about how the trade strategy implemented by the Bush administration was destined to burn out, and a new system most replace it. He also mentions that creating a Free Trade Area across the Americas was "too ambitious" back in the 1990's, but it is still a something for the leaders of American nations to keep in mind. This article addresses some of the content in our transnationalism reading, such as the NAFTA, and similar  radical agreements are being reviewed and revised as the global economy shifts and new problems arise.

SJS 8: "Brazil in the Crucible of Crisis"

Source:

Taylor, Matthew M. "Brazil in the Crucible of Crisis." Current History Feb. 2016: 68-74. Print.

Author Bio:

Matthew M. Taylor is a professor that focuses his studies on state capacity, corruption, and Latin American political economy with degrees from both Princeton University and Georgetown University. He worked and lived in Brazil as a facalty member at the University of Sao Paulo from 2006 to 2011. Taylor has published many documents that focus on Brazil and the current situation of the country. Matthew Taylor has a large amount of first hand experience in Brazil which gives him a solid first hand view of the situation that is currently taking place in the country. He is able to discover the corruption and false representation in the country from a first hand viewpoint giving him a substantial background for his documents and arguments.

Summary:

The current state of Brazil is currently deteriorating and has been in a large crisis in the recent years. Before Brazil entered this crisis, the country had nearly a decade of growth. This growth can be contributed to four presidents that positively influenced the worker class in the country. Brazil faces political and economic problems caused by an election of a new president and corruption that is occurring in the government system. In 2002, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva was elected as president for Brazil and caused the country to thrive despite a corruption scandal that was occurring which involved payments to legislators to ensure continued support. After Lula, Dilma Rousseff became president of Brazil with the support of Lula. Brazil began to decrease in their growth and there were protests against the corruption and overspending of the government. This is evident during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the country spent too much money on the tournament then what the public wanted and government should have allowed. Many scandals took place during Rousseff’s term in presidency. Payments were given to powerful government officials to ensure support of the system in place. Rousseff made no attempt to stop the corruption taking place in Brazil and the public began to take notice. The president of the Chamber of Duties, Eduardo Cunha defeated the government’s candidate in the election for that position. Rousseff wanted to file ethics charges against Cunha however never pulled the trigger in fear that he would expose her corruption in court effectively taking them both out of government positions. Impeachment would be very difficult to pass since there are supporters of Rousseff that could veto the request. The majority of the public is treated very differently in Brazil compared to the elites due to the corruption taking place in the country. The elites are able to find loopholes and bargain out of legal issues consistently. Recent court trials have been able to change parts of the system to better improve the system however it is still very evident. The proactivity of the judges and prosecutors have been able to pressure the current system in place and lead to changes in the future. The crisis in Brazil is still dynamic and evolving overtime because of the developing economic, political, and legal plans in the country.

Analysis:

Corruption is currently a large issue in many developing countries. Matthew Taylor clearly explains how Brazil is having issues and has found itself in a crisis. Taylor uses many details about the corruption in the country mainly after the election of Dilma Rousseff as the president of the country. Many scandals and misrepresentation have been used to maintain the power in the country through bribery and purposefully placing supports in higher government positions. Taylor also explains how judges and prosecutors have also led to some improvements but the elite are still able to avoid legal issues and have much more representation in the government. Matthew Taylor’s background and education allows him to provide an accurate representation on the corruption and status in Brazil.

SJS 6: Nationalism and Exclusion in Postwar Nepal

Citation: Snellinger, Amanda. "Nationalism and Exclusion in Postwar Nepal." Current History 115.780 (2016): 154-156. Print.

Author Credentials: Dr. Amanda Snellinger researches politics, protests, and activisms in Nepal. In 2003, she began "qualitative, ethnographic fieldwork" and "archival research" in Nepal, as well as India. One of her biggest areas of focus deals with young political figures and their negotiations in global and local playing fields. In addition, Snellinger received her anthropology degree from Cornell University. She also taught at Seattle University, and University of Washington. Currently, she is a researcher at the University of Oxfords's School of Geography and the Environment.

Summary: Following the civil war in Nepal between the Maoists and the Royal Nepal Army, an elected Constituent Assembly began amending Nepal's constitution for the hope of becoming a democratic state. In response to this, the Madhesi community began to host protests that demanded federalism and fair political representation, as this group of people has been historically excluded from governmental politics. It was felt throughout the majority of Nepal that the reform programs implemented by the Assembly were not effectively working to lower unemployment and other major issues. Earthquakes in 2015 raised eyebrows at whether or not the Assembly was truly effective. Even more, a terrorist attack in the town of Tikapur raised further doubt and conflict among the communities. These conflicts climaxed when Biranj protesters obstructed a bridge between India and Nepal. As a result, India held a blockade, temporarily stopping all border traffic. The initial protest by the Biranjis achieved nothing, but it showed the losses of Nepal as a result of the ineffective constitution.

Analysis: Snellinger effectively explains the contemporary conflicts in Nepal that are a direct result of the civil war that occurred. She stresses that the constitution is to blame for the public dissatisfaction with the government as well. In addition, several topics that were previously discussed in class were brought up. Firstly, Maoism is discussed as one of the factions of the civil war, and we learned that the Maoists are followers of Mao Zedong. Furthermore, this article proves to showcase yet another example of revolt and uprising, a topic that can be correlated to the French Revolution and Mao-Mao Revolts discussed in class.

SJS 6: Afghanistan's Arduous Search for Stability

Source: Barfield, Thomas. "Afghanistan's Arduous Search for Stability." Current History 
     115.780 (2016): 136-43. Print.


Author Credentials: Thomas Barfield is an author who has written various books about Afghanistan. He attended Harvard in the year 1978. He has received an award for his study in political sciences. With his high level of education and praise, Thomas is very qualified to write an article about Afghanistan's struggle. 

Summary: Thomas starts out explaining how Afghanistan has had the lack of leadership and unity in Kabul. The former president Hamid Karzai seemed to be just what Afghanistan needed in 2002, but he proved to be corrupt. He depended too much on making personal political deals. Karzai received a lot of foreign aid and threatened to become a security problem if he ever stopped receiving aid. He also had an in with the United States and George W. Bush; America believed changing leadership in Afghanistan would require too much money and time. when Obama came into leadership he had a different perspective on Afghanistan, and blamed its country's struggle on Karzai. Obama and Biden made it clear the relationship between America and Afghanistan was going to be a lot less affectionate. Afghanistan took this separation harshly, and was very hostile toward America. Once Karzai stepped down Ashraf Ghani was to take his place as president with Abdullah Abdullah as the chief executive officer on his side. This change of leadership was believed to be a very positive one; both men were very eager to make better connections with the rest of the world, America in particular. The two leaders had different ideals and followers/staff, this brought conflict in the office time to time. The Taliban also proved to be a consistent problem  put temporarily on the defensive by the U.S. Many countries such as China and Iran have taken interest in Afghanistan, they hope for peace with the Taliban as well. There have been many peace talks that have taken place, hoping for a new stable Afghanistan. 

Analysis: Overall, the piece was well written and very informative. The author was able to make a point and back it up. His overall argument that Afghanistan is a country in need of watch was proven more than once in his piece. One could tell the information was factual, and there were very few biased points made by the educated author. Being so educated in the area, the author proves to be reliable.

SJS Unit 8: The Aztec Empire: Art and Culture

Source: Smith, Michael E. "The Aztec Empire: Art and Culture." Veranda 19.1 (2005): 36-46. Print. 

Author Credentials: Michael Smith is a freelance photographer. He received education at Yale University School of Art, The College for Creative Studies, and the New York Studio Program. He has had many exhibitions in famous areas and is knowledgeable in art.

Summary: This article describes the culture of the Aztecs through their artwork. The author begins by explaining the Aztecs were eventually conquered by the Spanish because of their gold jewelry and art. The articles states that it is difficult to find an exact account of Aztec culture because they are described differently by different people. It is believed, however, that some Aztec artwork was used in ceremonies and rituals. An example of this would be masks that the Aztecs made for their dead.

Analysis: The article describes how Aztec artwork was important to them, and how it was possibly their downfall. It also relates to class discussion in two ways. In class we learned about the Spanish conquest in Latin America, and how the Spaniards were greedy for treasure. We also learned that the Aztecs had brutal traditions, such as human sacrifices. These traditions may be why there is such a diversity in Aztec descriptions; some people will see the Aztecs as barbaric because of this and others will see them as highly cultured people. In conclusion, the article is well-written and helpful to those who are curious about how Aztec artwork related to these people's culture.

SJS 8: "A New Era of Accountability in Guatemala?"

Citation:
Beltrán, Adriana. "A New Era of Accountability in Guatemala?" Current History 115 (2016): 63-67. Print.

Author Bio: Adriana Beltran is the head of the WOLA citizen security program. She works towards reform in Latin America on human rights especially Guatemala. This makes Beltran qualified to write this journal because she possesses the work experience as the leader of a major movement in Latin America. However, this will create a bias in the form that Guatemala absolutely needs reform while others may think that Guatemala can get by as it stands. To continue, Beltran was born in Guatemala, so she knows the situation first hand. In addition, she also works as a senior associate for citizen security in Washington. She has and continues to work with numerous other organizations in efforts to fight against human rights abuses and organized crime in Latin America.

Summary: In September of 2015, the Guatemalan president was voted by congress to be able to be arrested and prosecuted. The day after the vote, the president was arrested under charges of fraud. Because of this, there have been large protests in Guatemala. The system of dealing with the crime rate in Guatemala proved to be ineffective, so new organizations have come about to fix the problem. The presidential fraud came in the form of national tax collection. The president lured in tax collectors and lowered import taxes in return for bribes. There were also bribes to reduce bail and jail time in the justice system. Not only has there been corruption within the political leaders, but also the military leaders. The CICIG has been created to expose all of the corruption within Guatemala. The group works by prosecuting entire groups rather than individual people. This only works however, if it's local connections are hardworking to expose the crimes. Every week, thousands of people protest in Guatemala City and ask for a new reformed government. These protests can reach up to 100,000 people. This has lead to the government taking measures to settle the protestors such as supporting the resignation of the president. This has also lead to the ideology that change is possible in the government, but the people have elected a president that will hinder the growth of the new government. These events also impact other countries. Protests have occurred in Honduras and Mexico that have to do with political stability, corruption, and human rights abuses, being led by organizations like the CICIG. The Latin American people have figured out that through protests they can gain power and a voice.

Analysis: Corruption has been a reoccurring problem in many developing countries and also many developed countries. Using protests as a form of speech is also reoccurring in these situations. If the people have a chance to unite behind a common cause, the odds are that they will eventually succeed because of the large number of people backing the cause. This article stands behind the point that Guatemala is headed in the right direction as of now. Based on similar past events in other countries, this position is correct. Beltran describes this issue as deep rooted and needing to be dug up. Because of Beltran's study and personal experience of this subject, she accurately describes the people becoming fed up with the corruption in Guatemala.

SJS 7: "Trauma and Triumphalism in Malaysia"

Source: 
Welsh, Bridget. "Trauma and Triumphalism in Malaysia." Current History: A 
Journal of Contemporary World Affairs 112.755 (2013): 236-41. Print. 

Author Credentials & Bias: Bridget Welsh is qualified to discuss this issue because she is an associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University. She has worked with Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and educated at Columbia University. Her experience and advanced credentials enable to her to provide meaningful insight and powerful analysis on the topic of Mayalain affairs. A scholar is South Eastern studies, she offers an educational and expert bias on the subject.  

Summary: Welsh talks about the world's most durable incumbent government in Malaysia. With fifty-six years in office, this governmental system managed to stay in power through a narrow victory. Subsequently denying the multi-ethnic opposition that had been consolidating since 1999 a change to govern. Anger over corruption and racial preferences is increasing, and the people, rather than elites, continue to drive the nations political evolution. After Abdullah Badawi took over Mahathir Mohamad's corrupted rule, left the people hopeless once again after he acknowledged the challenges the country faced, but failed to effectively address them. This hopeless inspired a political awakening that forced Abdullah to step down in turn for Najib Tun Razak's leadership. Political reform Najib-style has turned into a performance rather than a practice. The government is seen not only to endorse poor governance but to benefit from it. It's important to note that even though all of the struggles, Malaysians are engaging politically. The elite will most likely focus on the struggle to maintain power and limit reform, but the Malaysians will continue to push towards meaningful actions. All of this will transpire more effectively as politics continue to shift from elites to ordinary people.

Analysis: Overall, Welsh presents a reliable source because she gives very detailed information that shows that she has done her research on this subject. The information is presented thoughtfully as she connects certain ideas that were previously discussed. Her organizational strategies brought light to certain details that didn't seem as significant before. Along with giving the reader a multitude of relevant facts, Welsh also offers her intellectual input. Based on her educational knowledge and experience, her ideas help add to the reliability of this writing. Her argument does not sway to one side as she explains all dimensions of these political happenings and changes. 

SJS 8: The US-Cuba Thaw and Hemispheric Realtions

Source:
Shifter, Michael. "The US-Cuba Thaw and Hemispheric Relations." Current History
    115.778 (2016): 75-76. Print.

Author Credentials:
Michael Shifter is the current president of Inter-American Dialogue. This organization manages relations and interactions between Western Hemisphere countries, thus making him an expert on the US-Cuba dilemma. In addition, Shifter is a professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is a graduate of both Oberlin College and Harvard University. On top of this, he has years of experience in the field of foreign relations, as he once led a Latin America and Caribbean program at the National Endowment for Democracy. For these reasons and many more, Shifter is highly qualified and well versed in this field.

Summary:
The US's policy of diplomatic and economic isolation of Cuba remains the most divisive factor in the international relations among Western Hemisphere countries. Recently however, President Obama announced his intentions of lifting the sanctions in order to rebuild interactions with Cuba. This decision has the potential to lift numerous struggles that have plagued both Cuba and the American-Cuban populations since the trade embargo of 1962. Many view the sanctions on Cuba as the primary obstacle on the road to normal relations between Cuba and the US. The move toward  normal relations between the two countries has proven to be very popular on both sides. In addition to the diplomatic benefits of re-establishing friendly relations, there is significant business interest for both sides as well. The US's punitive actions toward Cuba have also had a negative impact of the world's view of the United States of America in the sense that the policy portrays the US as somewhat of an imperial power. All things considered, improving relations between the US and Cuba opens the possibility for innumerable benefits on both sides, and it is likely that this change will be seen very soon.

Analysis:
This article concisely and comprehensively explains and analyses many different aspects of the US-Cuba issue. It discusses several points that have been prevalent in our other World Cultures units, such as Cold War isolationism and imperialism. It relates the US sanctions on Cuba to the isolated policy used widely throughout the Cold War period. Furthermore, Shifter explains the correlations between the US's policy over Cuba and the policies of Imperialism that have been seen all throughout history. We have discussed the common theme of imperialism in nearly all of our units this semester. The Article successfully poses an unbiased account of the issue and addresses the fact that while the resolution of tensions between Cuba and the US is highly probable, there are also push backs and the desire to reconcile is not nearly unanimous.

PDP8- "Second Declaration of Havana"

Author Bio: Born on August 13th, 1926 near Birán, Cuba, Fidel Castro was sworn in as Cuba's prime minister in February 1959 after leading a campaign of guerrilla warfare against the previous dictator, Fulgencio Batista. As well as taking over leadership, Fidel Castro turned to communism and adopted Marxism-Leninism as the nation's official doctrine. This creates his bias against the United States and imperialism in the Second Declaration of Havana. He ruled as dictator over Cuba until handed power over to his brother, Raúl Castro, in 2008.
 
Date/Context: The year 1961 was important to the relationship between Cuba and the United States. On January 3, President Eisenhower ended diplomatic relations with the Cuban government. Then, on April 14, Fidel Castro formally announced that Cuba was a socialist state. The following year, Castro gave the Second Declaration of Havana on February 4, 1962, soon after officially adopting Marxism-Leninism. Three days later, on February 7, the United States imposed a full economic embargo on Cuba. Castro and Cuba's adherence to communism made them allies with the Soviet Union. In October 1962, Castro and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev created a plan to place nuclear missiles in Cuba, in what is now known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. This context of such a pivotal time makes the Second Declaration of Havana a major event.

Summary: Fidel Castro opens the Second Declaration of Havana by describing the "cruelest exploitation of the world by imperialism" and the circumstances behind the industrialization of the United States and some European countries, which led to imperialism. Castro then describes a new social class of merchants and producers of articles made for commerce , and negatively portrays their motives for its actions throughout its history. He then contrasts the poor region of Latin America, which is suffering greatly after the end of World War II, to the wealthy North America, especially the United States. Fidel Castro claims that the United States kept its wealth by exploiting Latin America's poor people and raw resources through military pacts and "Washington's diplomatic lobbying." he then talks about the topic of Cuba's revolution, and claims that it was destined to occur and teaches the world that nothing can stop people's movements for liberation. Castro then appeals to the people of Latin America to join together because of their many similarities, such as the suffering through the same trials, and facing the same enemy. he concludes that Latin America's fights for independence were a great story, but this struggle against imperialism is a great epic, conducted by the people, and will be a greater service for humankind than were the independence struggles. Castro appeals to the people one last time, saying that this epic story will be written by the 200 million Latin Americans, and the "Yankee monopoly capital" already fears them.

Key Quotation: "The epic of Latin America's independence struggles was great, and that fight was a heroic one. But today's generation of Latin Americans is summoned to write a greater epic, one even more decisive for humanity."

PDP 8: "Jamaican Letter"

Author Bio: Simon Bolivar was born in Caracas in July of 1783. He died at the age of 47 in December of 1830. Simon Bolivar was the son of a Venezuelan nobleman and grew up around great wealth. His family was a creole family, meaning that his parents were from Spain but he was born in Latin America. He was known as “El Libertador” or “The Liberator” because of the revolution that he led in Latin America. The modern day country of Bolivia was named after him.

Date/Context: This text written by Simon Bolivar was written in 1815. Bolivar wrote this letter during the “low point” of the struggles against Spain in the war for independence. Bolivar wrote this while he was spending his time in Jamaica because he was exiled. He wrote this letter to send to an “English gentleman” who was most likely the leader of Jamaica at the time to discuss his views about the Spanish and his native land.    

Summary: The text starts off by giving some background information about Simon Bolivar. He was the son of a Venezuelan nobleman and grew up in a wealthy family. After his parents died, he was sent to Spain to continue his education and to find a spouse. He eventually, returned to Venezuela in 1807 when Napoleon's conquest weakened Spain and allowed Bolivar to start his independence movement. Bolivar later talks about how foreseeing the future of “America” is a very difficult task, comparing it to when mankind was in it’s “infancy”. He states that no form of government is perfect, and they need to choose the one that will be most effective. Bolivar is telling his audience that the “Americans” must fight against the Europeans, even though they essentially come from there. Later in the text, Bolivar talks about how it is more difficult to release a nation from “servitude”, than it is to enslave a population of free people. Essentially he means that it is going to be very difficult to liberate America smoothly. Towards the end of the text, he says that it would be great for America to be unified as one, but there are so many differences including climate, geography, interests, and many more differences that would cause too many issues in the long run. To conclude, the Jamaican Letter was written to discuss the type of America that Simon Bolivar see’s in the future, and to summarize the fight that was occurring against the Europeans.

Key Quotation: “Americans today, and perhaps to a greater extent than ever before, who live within the Spanish system occupy a position in society no better than that of serfs destined for labor, or at best they have no more status than that of mere consumers.”

PDP 8 "Interview with Rigoberta Menhú Tum"

Author Bio: Born in 1959 to a poor indigenous family in Guatemala, Rigoberta Menchú Tum has been in a position of discrimination her entire life. Throughout much of her life Guatemala has been engulfed in Civil war from 1960-1999 so she saw first hand the brutality of the government against the rebels and likewise the rebels resolve to fight back. This gives her the somewhat special position of being able to share personal experiences throughout her activism against government tyranny.

Date/Context: The interview was taken in 1992 four years before the end of the Guatemalan Civil War and shortly after that in 1998 Rigoberta would receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her activist efforts to end the racial violence in her nation.

Summary: Since the article is more or less a transcript from an interview, it contains more of a one sided account and argument against the guatemalan military for their discrimination of native indigenous peoples. Rigoberta argues that the military has systematically tried to eliminate dissent against the government by killing off indigenous peoples and crushing rebellions led by them. She goes on to refer to several events during the civil war, notably the 1980 Spanish Embassy Incident, and the terrible effects of them on the native people. She also advocates or the return of control of the country to indigenous with the justification of they were there first and have been exploited for 500 years. Another key focal point of her argument was that the celebration of the 500th anniversary of columbus “discovering” the Americas was a major offense to and was an insult against the indigenous people as was she implied it to be solely the celebration of the beginning of the exploitation of the Continent.

Key Quotation: "The struggle of the indigenous did not begin in 1992, and it will not end in 1992; it is simply an occasion to take advantage of the international attention.”

PDP 8: "Slavery and the Slave Trade of Brazil"

Author Bio: Thomas Nelson is the author of this excerpt, and he describes his unique encounter with the hundreds of slaves onboard a ship. He was a surgeon whose job was to help the slaves who were in bad condition and were being exported illegally. Nelson's bias is included in this description because he is reciting his experience on what he saw on the H.M.S Crescent, and including his opinion on the slaves treatment. Nelson belonged to the British, and since the British were against slavery, Nelson was too. His description is reliable because it is a primary source of his confrontation with the slaves on the ship.

Date/Context: This excerpt came from a book that Thomas Nelson wrote in the 1840s. During this time period, the British decided to abolish slavery. Britain made another decision to say that other countries should not use slavery, so, under British pressure, Brazil abolished slavery. Sneakily, Brazil continued to trade slaves despite the slavery abolishment rule. Due to the illegal transport, British individuals were sent to investigate Brazil's ships to ensure that the ships had no slaves on board. Given that the excerpt was written during a time of slavery struggle, it portrays accurate and believable information about the true conditions that slaves faced.

Summary: The excerpt starts off with Nelson's first impression of the slaves on the ship. His detailed descriptions delve deep into the large amount of slaves condensed into the small corners of the ships. The harsh environment that the slaves lived in did not give the slaves any water, any clean clothes, and they suffered from muscle pain and stiffness. Nelson continues his encounter of the ship by describing the women and children who were crying and suffering from the lack of necessities. As Nelson started to investigate the individuals to examine their health status, he really noticed the seriousness of the slaves. Nelson decided that most of the slaves were diagnosed with smallpox, and other diseases. Further into the excerpt, Nelson writes a situation where slaves jumped off ships to escape the condition of which they were confined to. Nelson wraps up this section by concluding that the slaves were mentally exhausted and there physical capabilities were declining. The strident life the slaves had on the ships is indescribable, but Nelson provides an explanation that gives the readers an authentic account of how slaves were treated.

Key Quotation: "Huddled closely together on deck, and blocking up the gangways on either side, cowered or rather squatted, three hundred sixty-two negroes, with disease, want, and misery stamped upon them with such painful intensity as utterly beggars all powers of description."

PDP 8 - "An Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico"

Author Bio: Mark A. Kishlansky was born in Brooklyn, New York. He completed his undergraduate degree at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1970. He proceeded to graduate study under David Underdown at Brown University, receiving his M.A. in 1972 and his PhD in 1977. In 1991 he became a professor at Harvard University and from 1997 to 2001 served as Associate Dean of the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciencesat Harvard. Kishlansky has co-authored a number of textbooks, most notably Civilization in the West, Societies and Cultures in World History, and The Unfinished Legacy. 

Date/Context: At this time the Spanish are conquering Mexico and other parts of the Americas. Cortes, Don Pedro de Alvarado and the rest of the Spanish conquistadors are at first being recognized as Gods or Godsends to the Aztecs but soon turned to be enemies of the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples as they conquered them in the name of Spain and Catholicism. 

Summary: The Aztec people find the Spanish to be godlike as they offer gifts of gold, quetzal feathers and other jewelry. The Spaniards find the offerings disgusting after the messengers preform human sacrifices in front of the Spanish and offer the blood to them as well. They Spaniards became angry at this and started attacking unarmed dancers and musicians that were having a ceremony in their honor. The Aztecs respond at first peacefully, but then turn to violence and war to drive at the contesting Spanish. The Aztecs were forced from their homes, villages and cities as the Spanish pushed through Mexico fighting any indigenous tribe that dared stop them and their advanced weaponry and technology. They fought in Yacacolco, Atezcapan, Coatlan, Nonohualco, Xoxohuitlan and Tepeyacac and massacred the native fighters. This all ended with the retreat of any remaining Aztecs to anywhere the Spanish weren't as there was destruction in the wake of the Spanish. 

Key Quotation: "Gold, jade, rich cloths, quetzal feathers - everything that was once precious was now worthless" 

PDP8 - "The True History of the Conquest of New Spain"

Author Bio: Bernal Díaz del Castillo lived from 1492-1581. He was a soldier who traveled to Central America with Hernán Cortés. This was the conquest of the Aztecs. Bernal Díaz explored Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula before he accompanied Cortés on his expedition. After the conquest of the Aztecs in Mexico, Díaz traveled to Honduras then settled down in what is now known as Guatemala. He wrote his accounts of the conquest of the Aztecs many years after it actually happened in order to give a more accurate account instead of some of the others that he says are “inaccurate accounts”.

Date/Context: During this time, Hernán Cortés was on a campaign of the Americas. The Spanish were launching many expeditions around this time including that of Christopher Colombus. Hernán Cortés was a Spanish Conquistador who was known for overthrowing the Aztec Empire and becoming governor of New Spain. After this victory, he continued on to Honduras then back to Spain. The Spanish were able to conquer much of the Americas during this time period.

Summary: The first-hand account by Bernal Díaz when he went to Tenochtitlan shows more of a descriptive account of what the city was like rather than the other accounts that focused on war, destruction, and bloodshed. Bernal Díaz traveled with the leader of the expedition, Hernán Cortés, which allowed him to go on a tour of the city along with the chiefs. He is most amazed by the market in the main plaza. He is in awe because of the size of the market and the variety of merchandise that can be bought there. He is also impressed by the organization of such a large market. Next they climbed to the top of the temple of Uichilobos where they saw the large amount of blood left from the sacrifices performed there. However, from the top of the temple they could see everything around the city including the other towns, roads, the lake, and many other things. Then Cortés asked Montezuma if they could see their gods. Montezuma continued to lead the men into a a small tower room where there were statues of two gods with blood all over from sacrifices. Cortés insulted their gods by telling Montezuma that they were not gods, they were evil things. He then asked if he could put a cross on top of the tower. Due to this insult, Montezuma and the priest became hostile which impelled the men to leave.

Key Quotation: “Lord Montezuma, I do not understand how such a great prince and wise man as yourself can have failed to come to the conclusion that these idols of yours are not gods, but evil things–devils is the term for them.” -Hernán Cortés

SJS 7- The Development of Subsistence System Models for Island Southeast Asia and Near Oceania: The Nature and Role of Arboiculture and Arboreal-Based Economies

Source:

Latinis, D. Kyle. "The Development Of Subsistence System Models For Island Southeast Asia And Near Oceania: The..." World Archaeology 32.1 (2000): 41. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 22 May 2016.

Author Credentials:

Kyle Latinis is qualified to have written about this topic due to the time he spent studying at the National University of Singapore, which is where he received his PhD in Southeast Asian Studies (culture, history).  Before that he studied at the University of Hawal'I at Manoa as a doctor of philosophy.  Also, in his experience he has done research at the University of Cambodia where he was the director of the institute for research and advanced studies. Latinis' past experiences help to illustrate why he is qualified to have written about this subject matter, including his time researching and studying in Southeast Asia. In summary, Latinis is qualified to research and reflect upon the people and cultures of Southeast Asia.

Summary:

Latinis discusses the increased usage of the word arboriculture in Southeast Asia and Pacific archaeology. In his discussion he defines what an arboreal-based economies and arboriculture are, and then goes on to discuss the important characteristics of an arboreal-based economy based on results found from research in Maluku. Latinis then presents a development model of the economies and their emergence in Southeast Asia and near Oceania as a broad occurrence, then comparing this to the available archeological and nutritional data, the latter relating to the evolutionary ecology of the arboreal-based subsistence economies. Latinis then finishes by discussing the Austronesian interaction within the region especially since it is important to ascertain whether or not the Austronesians brought arboriculture to the region, then adopting elements of the arboreal-based economies that existed in the region prior to their arrival. In summary, Latinis talks about the history of the arboreal-based economies and the important implications for understanding many different issues that are included in it.

Analysis:

Latinis discusses this topic in a way that requires the reader to have an excess of background knowledge on the subject of this paper. Latinis presents his analysis and information in a thoughtful and mentally provocative way as it gives the reader something to think about, whilst giving detailed information on the subject, and using examples from his own experience in Southeast Asia. Although, Latinis does have a slight tendency to add a bit of bias to what he is writing about due to the perspective he has acquired on the regions of Southeast Asia. That perspective growing out of the more prosperous areas such as Singapore where he studied. Aside from a slight amount of bias, Latinis is a reliable source due to his background knowledge on the subject, his experience in the field, and all the research he has done on the subject. 

GDDS #1: "The Rise of ISIS" and "Future of Kurdistan"

The Kurd's yearn for an independent state is weakened by the Peshmerga fighting against ISIS; however, since the Kurds have made the most progress against ISIS, the western support of the Kurds can lead to a positive, global change concerning an independent Kurdistan which can then lead to the dissolution of ISIS.

GDDS #6 - "Cuba and the U.S." and "Korean Choices"

The normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba could serve as a template for the introduction of North Korea into the global economy, and places more pressure upon them to do so, as another communist regimes parttakes in capitalists economic relations and takes steps towards a more modern democratic government.

GDDS Essay topic 5- "Climate Geopolitics in the context of International Migration" Thesis

The global climate change crisis is an immediate issue because the resulting population displacement, storm damage, and international conflict will heavily strain the global economy.

GDDS #5 - "Climate Geopolitics" and "International Migration"

A variety of evidence demonstrates that climate change and international migration are connected in several ways, as climate change exacerbates the migration crisis, and it will cause mass migration from threatened countries, but these problems and risks of a climate or environmental refugee crisis make the issue of solving climate change a high priority.

GDDS #5- "Climate Geopolitics" and "International Migration"

Climate geopolitics and international migration are in direct relation to one another, with climate change being a greater cause of the migration; climate change has caused the global environment to change drastically in recent years, which could potentially lead to the crumbling of governments and economies causing even more people to migrate from their native country, due to unrest or other reasons.

GDDS2 - "Shifting Alliances" & "The Rise of ISIS"

Through the use of counterproductive tactics and strategies on both sides, both the rebels and current governments in the middle-east are perpetuating the very chaos, influences and instability they both seek to eliminate.

GDDS4: The UN in terms of Climate Geopolitics

At a time where climate change tops the list of global concerns, it is imperative that the United Nations take the lead in orchestrating international environmental policies, regulations, and cooperative discussions related to the world-wide issue of climate change.

GDDS #4- "The UN's post 2015 development agenda and leadership" and "Climate Geopolitics"

The UN should play an important role on the issue of climate change in the world however the SDGs that have been used do not focus enough on the problem; as a result of climate change, many other areas of their Sustainable Development Goals are being affected.

GDDS2 - "The Rise of ISIS" and "Shifting Alliances in the Middle East"

Middle Eastern regional powers are hesitant to form a coalition to defeat ISIS due to historic and contemporary political animosities, the threat of terrorism, and ISIS’s vehement intolerance of other interpretations of Islam. 

GDDS #6 - "Korean Choices" and "Cuba and the U.S"

  The similarities between the situations in Cuba and North Korea are evident as both countries were historically shown animosity from the American public and government, and moreover, they both heavily relied on the political, economic, and militaristic support of the USSR, yet the situations differ as it is manifest that modern Cuba is willing to work with the United United States while "modern" North Korea certainly is not.

GDDS #5 - "Climate Geopolitics" and "International Migration"

Climate change is slowly becoming a major reason for migration, the rising sea levels and overall temperature change will force citizens away from their home country, leaving countries such as America, to find a way to tackle the upcoming problem of the extreme amount of migrants faced with environmental issues.

GDDS #6- "Cuba and the U.S" and "Korean Choices"

The controversy between North and South Korea is similar to the controversy between the U.S and Cuba in that North Korea and Cuba had similar foreign policies towards South Korea and the United States, but differs because North Korea wants to remain as an autarkic nation with nuclear weaponry, while Cuba is opening up to the global economy without having nuclear weapons.  

GDDS #7: "The Rise of Isis" and "International Migration"

ISIS can take advantage of the migrant crisis by spreading their ideology through appeal to fleeing migrants, social media, and self-radicalization, and can use the radicalized refugees to enter western states and preform attacks without detection.

GDDS #7-"The Rise of Isis" & "International Migration"

Mass migration out of the Middle East, precipitated by the Islamic State in 2014, threatens the security of Europe by taking advantage of its porous borders, lax resources, and the internal debate between right wing parties and their more liberal opponents.

GDDS #10: "Korean Choices" and "Shifting Alliances in the Middle East"

The recent affairs inflicted upon the Middle East reveal that regime security in these two distant regions, the Koreas and Middle East, will begin to diminish with a complete transformation of the government with support from indigenous civilians and military, resulting in a unified Korea and stronger relation with the United Nations.

GDDS #1: "The Rise of ISIS" and "The Future of Kurdistan"

Based on the positive effects that the Peshmerga has produced for Kurdistan, including their efforts in stopping ISIS, this paramount group presents a beneficial impact that will aid in achieving the Kurds goal of independence and will eventually cause the West to align with Kurdistan due to the power required to defeat ISIS.

GDDS #8- "The Future of Kurdistan" and "Korean Choices"

South Korea's interest in the Kurdish struggle for independence is driven largely by the economic benefits that such an alliance can provide, and the opportunity to broaden foreign relations to include Kurdistan as a political asset; coupled with the direct correlation between the current Kurdish struggle and Korea's path to independence, thus making South Korea a model for future Kurdish policies and decisions.

GDDS #6 - Cuba and the U.S. and Korean Choices

The increasing normalization between the U.S and Cuba could eventually prove to North Korea and South Korea that change can happen, and so the actions of the U.S and Cuba can better the relationship between North and South Korea, show the similarities and differences between these countries, and indicate the a change can be for the better.

GDDS #2: ISIS and the Middle East

ISIS poses as both a threat and an ally to other Arab countries through the use of fear and extortion; threatening violence against other nations unless the safety of their country is bought and paid for frightens the Arabs and causes them to refrain from a coalition.  

GDDS #6 - Cuba and Korean Choices

It will be much more difficult for South Korea to restore its relations with North Korea than for the United States’ to heal its relations with Cuba because of North Korea having a much larger weapon threat than Cuba, is much more closed off and secretive than Cuba, and has a much darker past with South Korea than America did with Cuba.

SJS7-Friendship of Norodom Sihanouk and Zhou Enlai

Source: 

Jeldres, Julio. "A Personal Reflection on Norodom Sihanouk and Zhou Enlai: An Extraordinary Friendship on the Fringes of the Cold War." Cross-Currents: East Asian History and Culture Review 4 (2012): 52-64. Directory of Open Access Journals. Web. 18 May 2016.

Author Credentials: 

Julio Jeldres is qualified to write about this subject because he served as the private secretary to Norodom Sihanouk during 1980s. This gave Jeldres primary knowledge on the private life of Sihanouk. This close relationship with Sihanouk makes Jeldres susceptible to holding a positive bias towards him. In addition, Jeldres taught at Monash University in the Department of History and Philosophy. This proves that Jeldres is knowledgeable on historical affairs and is qualified to reflect on them. 

Summary:

Jeldres argues that the friendship of Norodom Sihanouk and Zhou Enlai was surprising but also genuine. To begin, Jeldres provides examples of how close Sihanouk and Enlai’s friendship was. He explains that Enlai was extremely respectful of Sihanouk’s father’s death and that Enlai allowed Sihanouk to reside in Beijing as a privileged guest from 1970 to 1975. In addition, Jeldres examines cultural context of the unexpected nature of the friendship. Due to Sihanouk being a Buddhist king and Enlai being the prime minister of a communist state, it seems that these two would not get along. Moreover, Jeldres continues to explain that despite differences Sihanouk believed the friendship was genuine and they had mutual respect for each other’s cultures. Lastly, the article relates to our present and previous studies because it talks about the friend’s relationship during the Cultural Revolution in China and the Cambodian Civil War. To illustrate this, Jeldres discusses how during the Chinese Cultural Revolution their friendship nearly terminated because the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh was usurped by Red Guard supporters who promoted Maoism in Cambodia.

Analysis: 

Jeldres writes in an informative, yet narrative style that allows his viewpoint to be presented in an efficient and interesting way. Jeldres supports his argument that the friendship was genuine through many examples. As Jeldres discusses their friendship throughout different time periods he tells of kind gestures that each did. For example, when Sihanouk was exiled from Cambodia, Enlai treated him with utmost respect. In addition, Jeldres is personally reflecting on the relationship between Sihanouk and Enlai. This makes his separation of fact and opinion poor. Overall, the article is his opinion on the relationship; however, he does include facts about the historical context in the article. It can be hard to decipher between the fact and opinion because they often flawlessly run together and the historical facts normally support an opinion. Lastly, Jeldres is a reliable source. Being the private secretary to Sihanouk makes him more than qualified to reflect on the relationship between Sihanouk and Enlai. However, due to this close relationship with Sihanouk, it is possible that Jeldres only portrays Sihanouk in a positive light. 

GDDS #1 - "The Future of Kurdistan" and "The Rise of ISIS"

In the argument on whether Kurdistan should become an independent state one must consider how the Kurds are a key player in the war against ISIS, the advantages they could gain if Kurdistan were to become independent, and the possible issues that could arise from their independence.

GDDS #5 - Climate Geopolitics and International Migration

Climate Geopolitics and International Migration Thesis

   

  Climate geopolitics in the context of international migration has three acting components that drive migration are natural disasters, sea level rise, and human influence/disasters. 

GDDS #5 - International Migration and Climate Change

The Issue of Climate Change in Relation to International Migration Thesis 

     In addition to wars, famine, and poverty, climate change must be added to the list of reasons for migration; which prompts the government systems of the world to attempt to find a way to adjust the issue of climate change for the better. 

SJS 7: Sri Lanka's Lingering State of War

Sources:  Thiranagama, Sharika. “Sri Lanka’s Lingering State of War.” Current History Apr. 2014: 163-65. Print.

Author Credentials: Sharika Thiranagama is an assistant professor of anthropology at Stanford University, so the board of admissions allowed her to teach because they believe she is educated enough on the subject, and she is also the author of In My Mother's House: Civil War in Sri Lanka, published in 2011. She has experience on learning about the state of Sri Lanka, and the capability to teach others about the events. 

Summary: Sri Lanka has had devastating wars in the past which have nearly ruined it's nation, and although progress is being made, they are far from success. There is still conflict because the LTTE is still prominent. The LTTE is a group of Tamil minorities that joined and killed others because of inequality, which we learned about in a case study during the South Asia unit. The LTTE believed they had disadvantages because they were a Hindu minority group, so they used violence to reveal their anger towards other Sri Lanka citizens. Now, people are buried all over the country. These large graves continue to haunt Sri Lankans, shaping contemporary issues through past and future violent breakouts. The security system has a hard time controlling the LTTE, because their violent tactics are sometimes too powerful. The economy also struggles at times because the ethnic group uses a lot of the country's money for weaponry, and other money goes towards the burial of the mass amounts of bodies. Also, some in Sri Lanka believe that the previous violence almost gives them more of a reason to act out now. The past has not been completely resolved, so some tend to believe that makes violence in the contemporary world okay. The article states; "Sri Lanka is postwar, but not post-conflict." This connects to the socio-historical events we have learned about, and how all actions in history influence modern life and how that country chooses to socially interact now that they know the history behind the troubles in their nation. 

Analysis: I believe the author makes a strong argument. She does a great job of pulling out the facts and emphasizing things we have already learned in the class, such as the basics of the LTTE and the government's efforts to stop them. She includes dates and numbers recorded from official historians to prove her information is factual. She then explains why she includes that particular information in her article, and why it is important to the main topic. She provides great evidence, using statistics from the events along with potential conflicts that can arise due to their current position, and her reasons make sense and all connect through several central ideas. She also very clearly shows a difference between fact and opinion: she states facts, then later explains why her what her opinion is and how her opinion is supported by the information given prior. She is reliable because of her high credentials, her neatly written work, and her great use of an explanation. 

SJS7: The Khmer Rouge: A Dubious Role in Cambodia’s Future

Source:
Karsh, Jason. “The Khmer Rouge: A Dubious Role in Cambodia’s Future.” Harvard International: 34-36. Print.

Summary:
The text opens by saying how the United Nations are trying to limit the influence of the Khmer Rouge. The first task the UN is trying to accomplish is the way to minimize the Khmer Rouge's representation on the Council. The text then goes on to talk about how the Khmer Rouge devastated Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge's main goal was to rid Cambodians of western ideals, however in 1978 the Vietnam forces pushed the Khmer Rouge out of power. The Khmer Rouge's horrifying legacy still remains in Cambodia and hurts Cambodia as a whole. Cambodia now is doing worst than Cambodia before the Khmer Rouge tried to take over. Although these terrible memories still haunt people today, the Vietnamese government is doing everything they can to restore order in Vietnam. Khmer Rouge was not totally defeated as it was pushed back to Thailand because the Khmer Rouge partnered with other rebel organizations and tried to win back some territory. China supported the Khmer Rouge because the Soviets started to support the Vietnamese government. The United States also was involved in the war and they supported the side against the Khmer Rouge. The UN feels that the Khmer Rouge is too powerful so the UN decided to put a interim government in place until they figure things out. Many people consider the Khmer Rouge today very different from back then, however this is no the case.


Analysis:
The main idea of this article was to express to the reader how bad the Khmer Rouge treated the people of Cambodia, and also to tell some of the steps that are being taken to limit the power of the Khmer Rouge today. This article is important because it just shows that the things the Khmer Rouge did were really horrible and that the war in Cambodia should not ignored. The text relates back to what we are studying because in class we watched a film about what actually happened in Cambodia. Not only did we want watch the film but we also talked about the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge and what it was like to live in Cambodia during that time. The article is credible because some of the points it brought point were accurate with what we discussed in class and what we saw in the movie.

PDP7: Aguinaldo's Case Against the United States

Author Bio: The author found it unwise to include his signature, but he was an authorized personal representative of Aguinaldo.
Date/Context: The excerpts were from September 1899. This was the time where imperialism was at its peak. During this period the Philippines were given to the United States in the Treaty of Paris from Spain. The conflict of independence resulted in the The Philippine-American War. This war sets the tone for "Aguinaldo's Case Against the United States."
Summary: The article starts out by stating that most of the American nation does not understand the conflicts occurring in the Philippines, and if they did know they would want the war to end. It also includes how other civilized nations believe America is a laughing stock due to it's civilized government in America, but forceful government in the Philippines. The Filipinos express the ignorance of the Americans for thinking the Filipinos were simple minded, or eager to learn any knowledge the Americans threw at them. The Filipinos believe they can govern themselves, and are constantly frustrated when America says they cannot. The hypocrisy of America is clear; America wanted independence from the English when they had the opportunity but now will not allow the same for the Filipinos. The Filipinos were even ready to be governed by America, to allow for a better life, and be protected, but America did not keep it's promises. America continues to deceive itself into thinking all they need to do is place military troops and into the Philippines to keep it from fighting back. The Philippine Islands will never be conquered by force alone. The conclusion to the article states that America should have won the Philippine people over and then lead them a certain way instead of trying to force them into something they did not want so quickly. They believe the Philippines are for the Filipinos.
Key Quote: "You must begin by conquering the hearts of the Philippine people. Be absolutely just, and you can lead them with a silken cord where chains of steel will not drag them."

PDP7 - The White Man's Burden

Author Bio:
     Rudyard Kipling was a British pet who authored many renowned works during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to poetry, he was well known to author works including: short stories, children's literature, science fiction, and novels. In 1907, at the age of 41, he earned the Noble Prize of Literature. This is clear evidence that his works were renowned and were to be taken completely seriously. With this in mind, he was called "a prophet of British imperialism", by George Orwell, who noticed his undeniable biases. Most prominently, people have claimed that his political works tend to be more Eurocentric via the support the conquering of people's that aren't of European descent. In essence, his view of imperialism is favorable and seems to have a "racist" point of view on non-white cultures. Nonetheless, his mastery of literature and composition allows his works to be analyzed in many different perspectives, thus leaving this particular poem up for interpretation.
Date/Context:  
    The poem was originally published in 1899, during the height of the era of Imperialism. In retrospect, the era of imperialism constituted of western countries partaking in a "land-grab" with the rest of the world. In particular, Southeast Asia was split up between the Dutch, British, French, German, Portuguese, and perhaps, arguably the Americans. Justifications for imperialism, for the most part, included the reform to turn all uncivilized countries into models of western countries, which were all civilized according to themselves. Yet, during this era, the imperialists just believed that they were simply genetically superior to their counterparts in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. It was thought to be most undeniable when Southeastern Asia and Oceania was considered, as these areas were some of the most isolated in human history. Furthermore, it wasn't too uncommon for everyone in the west to believe in the justifications for imperialism. Therefore, it was arguably inevitable. In retrospect, this poem certainly describes the mood of westerners best at the time, as it continuously uses extremely biased and racist rhetoric to describe "better" civilization being brought to the inferiors.
Summary:
   The poem is broken down into seven stanzas, where each stanza contains four lines. Hence, the poem contains a mere twenty eight-lines, and readers are limited content wise. Nevertheless, every single lines has a tangible meaning which could in addition interpreted in various different ways. Moreover, repetition of the phrase "The white mans burden," is used in every single stanza. The first few stanzas in essence describe that the white man is responsible in making those who aren't white civilized, and to do so in a swift manner via the means of conquering the native peoples. Racism is extremely manifest and evident throughout the poem. For instance, Kipling calls those who are being taken over "ungrateful" for not appreciating how manifest civilization is being brought over to them by the white man. Yet, besides the evident racism and Eurocentrism, Kipling does offer warnings to those who partake in the actions of imperialism. In retrospect, he reiterates that without any patience, the people will not acquiesce to the imperialists. In essence, besides the evident racism and repetition of phrases throughout the poem, it is vividly clear that Kipling was on the side of the imperialists with the publication of this poem.
Key Quote: 
"Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half-devil and half-child." This quotation from the poem truly exemplifies the xenophobia and racism that was evident throughout the poem. 

PDP7: "Selected Writings"

PDP7: “Selected Writings”

Author Bio: Ho Chi Minh was the president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and is also the author of the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence. He was born into poverty, but his father was a scholar which enabled him to receive an education and eventually move onto becoming a school teacher. He traveled to France as a cook for a ship and gained an interest in politics and organized Vietnamese ex-patriots. Along with these ex-patriots, Ho Chi Minh organized other Indochinese revolutionary parties in China and Europe. After World War II, he moved his organization into Hanoi and issued the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence. After issuing the declaration, he fought for the final liberation of Vietnam but died before the country reached that point.

Date/context: The culmination of these writings and speeches from Ho Chi Minh take place after World War II and also after the French had colonized Vietnam. Although the French would not leave the country until 1954, Ho Chi Minh had lived in the country for all of his life under the French colony. This means that he was able to write about how it affected people and what happened on a first hand account like he does in one section of this document. This also means that Ho Chi Minh was promoting independence around the time and in doing so was able to write these documents and speeches.  

Summary: The first section is on Ho Chi Minh declaring that the Provisional Government of the new Viet Nam are breaking off all relations of a colonial character with France. This meant that all treaties would be canceled and that all privileges that the French had in Vietnam would be annulled. The French colonized Vietnam and deprived the people living their of the majority of their rights. The French would react quickly with violence to prevent uprisings and would destroy the economy of the country by taking the goods that were produced their. They created many unjust taxation methods and made the majority of the population extremely poor. When the Japanese invaded Indochina, the French allowed them to enter the country and were eventually defeated by the Japanese. The Japanese surrendered the allies of Vietnam and gave the opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam to gain power in the country. This gave the people of Vietnam to declare their separation from the French officially. The second section is on the victory that the country had against America but also how the country needs to continue to fight for their freedom. Ho Chi Minh explains that the country has had a great victory because the United States was forced to stop bombing the territory of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam.Ho Chi Minh praises his fellow countryman and fighters for the efforts that they had put in and how it has led to the United States stopping the shelling. He is uniting the people over the victory and then uses this in the second part of the section to encourage the people to continue their determination to win and then achieve a peaceful national reunification. South Vietnam still had many American and satellite troops inside of the region and the people would have to continue fighting to get the troops out of the country. Ho Chi Minh states a list of things that he wants to accomplish in order to have genuine peace in independence and freedom. America would have to put an end to the war and aggression towards Vietnam and also remove all the troops that were in the country. Vietnam would then have to reunite the North and South zones and be free from foreign intervention.

Key Quotation: “The entire Vietnamese people are determined to mobilize all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and property in order to safeguard their freedom and independence.”

PDP 7- The Vietnamese Declaration of Independence

Author Bio: Ho Chi Minh was the founder of the French Communist Party in 1921, and the Vietnamese Communist Party in 1930. He was split between the ideas of communism and the ideas of democracy. Ho Chi Minh was also the leader of the Vietminh, which was the Vietnamese nationalist movement. He is a man that vouched for the independence of his country, and therefore wrote the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence.

Date/context: This document predates the Cold War, and was written right after the end of World War 2. The Vietnamese people have been colonized and mistreated for almost a century, and finally have the opportunity for freedom. With this opportunity, Ho Chi Minh has come to promote the reach for independence, and in doing so has written this document to be the Vietnamese Declaration of Independence.

Summary: Ho Chi Minh's speech starts out by saying that it is stated in the American and French constitutions that all men are born to rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While this is stated in the constitution, the french have become hypocrites. They have been imperialistic, and have had Vietnam colonized for the past 80 years. They have enforced inhumane laws, and have caused the Vietnamese people to suffer. In 1940, the French gave Vietnam over to the Japanese, where the Vietnamese peoples' suffering doubled. Two million people died from starvation in one year. When the French were fully driven off by Japan, they massacred political prisoners in Yen Bai and Cao Bang. Once Japan was defeated by the Allies, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was founded. This party has showed determination and courage, and therefore they are declaring themselves a free country of Vietnam.

Key Quotation: "Our people have broken the chains which for nearly a century have fettered them and have won independence for the Fatherland."

PDP7: "Speech to a Mass Rally at Schwedagon Pagoda"

Author bio: Aung San Suu Kyi was the leader of the National League for Democracy. Given that the government at that time was not a democracy, this creates a bias in her writing in order to influence the people more. She advocated for democratic and human rights in her speech. Her father was the prime minister of Burma which gives her a political filled background which helps her to form strong opinions based on her ideas. In 1988 she was placed under house arrest for making speeches similar to these ones. Aung San Suu Kyi is a reliable author because she was determined to create a democracy in Myanmar though resisting temptation to leave house arrest by fleeing the country, putting herself in conflict with the government, and winning a Nobel peace prize in 1991.

Date/context: This speech was delivered in 1988. Before this speech was given, Kyi had already experienced the sight of masses of students protesting and the killing of those same protestors by the government at that time, a government that violated human rights frequently. By giving this speech, Kyi had begun her campaign to defeat the government and bring in a new, democratic government. This speech and many others created a sense of nationalism in Myanmar. In 1990, two years later, the National League for Democracy took the majority rule in the government.

Summary: This speech is aimed at convincing people that a multi party democratic system of government is better. To start it gains the students trust and reminds them of their sacrifice by reminding them of the students that have died fighting for the cause. In the speech, Kyi then introduces herself to the audience to gain their trust further. She gives the audience the background of her life. During her background portion, she shows the severity of the issues in the country by saying that she wanted to stay away from politics, but the issues concerned the whole nation and they are taking place in a second independence struggle. The speech then goes on to say that without unity, the movement for a democracy will not succeed. Next, she states her opinions on several ideas concerning the military. She says that she does not want the military to be split apart. She emphasizes that the students hold the power for change becuase they have the strength and numbers to create change and they should continue to protest against the government. However, she says that there does not have to be a total reconstruction but rather a system that allows multiple parties to run and fair elections to be held. She ends her argument by saying that the current government is crumbling and it is time for a change.

Key quotation: "May the entire people be united and disciplined. May our people always do what is in complete accord with rightful principles. May the people be free from all harm. To conclude I would like to reiterate our emphatic demands and protests, namely that we have no desire at all for a referendum, that the one-party system should be dismantled, that a multi-party system of government should be established, and we call for free and fair elections to be arranged as quickly as possible. These are our demands."

Considering SE Asia: Cambodia

What are some of the similarities and differences between the rule of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the Kim dynasty in North Korea?  Be sure to give specific examples from class activities.

Considering SE Asia: East Timor

What do you predict will happen to East Timor?  Be sure to include details from the activity in your response.

Considering SE Asia: Homo florensiesis

How did the discovery of Homo florensiensis impact the understanding of human evolution?  Be sure to provide specific details from the activity in your response.

SJS 6: "Drop Your Weapons"

Source: Chenoweth, Erica, and Maria J. Stephan. “Drop Your Weapons.” Foreign Affairs July-Aug. 2014: 94-106. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 8 May 2016.

Author Credentials: Erica Chenoweth is an American political scientist and co-director of the Ph.D. program at Korbel School of International Studies. She is also the director of the program on terrorism and insurgency research. She is well known for the work she has put in on the topic of civil resistance. Maria J. Stephan works at the United States Institute of Peace, where she works on topics of civil resistance. She used to be lead foreign affairs officer at the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.

Summary: Non-violent protesting has become the popular and most successful form of protest over the years. Ever since Mahatma Gandhi popularized civil disobedience, countries all around the world that feel they are oppressed have followed his lead. There is a twice as likely chance of success when the protesting is peaceful than violent. Successful civil disobedience has three key similarities between all protests. They all have the participation of the masses, they all produce regime defections, and they employ flexible tactics. Additionally, the larger and more diverse the campaign, the more likely the campaign would be successful. More recently, social media has come about in assisting with non-violent protesting. An example of recent non-violent protesting was in 2013 in Ukraine. Yanukovych, the leader of Ukraine ended up resigning due to the protests. Switching to violent protesting can sometimes lose support in a cause, just like in Syria.

Analysis: The main idea of this article is to prove to the reader how effective civil disobedience is, and explains why it should be used instead of violence. This article is important, because it uses statistics showing how non-violent protests have been more successful in history. Many examples are provided of times in history where civil disobedience was used and was successful, such as the example of Poland in the 1980's. It is also very important that the article explained the 3 similarities in all successful non-violent protests.

SJS 6: "India's Changing Political Fortunes"

Source:  Sen, Ronojoy. "India's Changing Political Fortunes." Current History: A Journal of Contemporary World Affairs 113.762 (2014): 131-36. Print. 

Author Credentials:  Ronojoy Sen has worked for leading Indian newspapers for over ten years. His degrees include a PhD in Political Science from the University of Chicago, an MA in International Studies from the University of South Carolina, and a BA in History from Presidency College in Calcutta, India. Dr. Sen is a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Asia Research Institute and Institute of South Asian Studies. Ronojoy Sen is the author of Articles of Faith: Religion, Secularism, and the Indian Supreme Court, published by Oxford University Press. Now, he writes for The Times of India, The Straits Times and Today. In short, all of Ronojoy Sen's experience and credentials make him a very qualified individual for the writing of the article "India's Changing Political Fortunes." 

Summary:   The article "India's Changing Political Fortunes," by Ronojoy Sen, examines the political groups and trends involved in the April-May 2014 general elections in India. To begin, the article introduces the main parties involved in the election, and provides a short description: the Indian National Congress, which has been in government for much of India’s history as an independent state but is declining in popularity now; the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which seems to be in a better position than the Indian National Congress and is supporting Narenda Modi as its candidate for prime minister; the Common Man’s Party (Aam Aadmi Party, or AAP), which is a new party that originated in an anticorruption movement; and the strong regional or single-state parties that have added more unpredictability into India’s politics. The article then examines the Indian National Congress’ reasons for its decline in popularity. The most general reasons include many corruption scandals, high inflation, a slow economic growth rate, and a perception of a halt in policy in the national government. The Congress also has a lack of solid leadership. Rahul Gandhi, the nominee for prime ministerial candidate for the Congress, cannot compare to Modi, and failed to impress people with his reputation and public speaking. In India’s states, the Congress’ popularity is dropping. The larger states where the Congress did well in the 2009 elections, like Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, are predicted to show poor support for the Congress in the upcoming election, so the Congress will be seeking to win over medium and smaller states. Meanwhile, the BJP has taken a risk in choosing Modi as their prime ministerial candidate, and has even suffered a split in its party as a result. Modi has three views associated with him: the first is that he is India’s best hope for political and economic change; the second is that he is focused on Hindu advancement and a religious bigot; the third is that he is too much of a divisive character to win a national character because of his reputation, especially as his city’s government failed to stop the murders of Muslims after a Hindu massacre in 2002. However, the BJP credits its success in the most recent state elections to Modi’s campaign. Next, the article discusses the regional parties. West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress and the ADMK are expected to do well, while other parties like the Samajwadi Party, are predicted to suffer. The last party is the AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal. Its strategy is radically different from the others; in Delhi, it used an intensive door-to-door campaign to reach out for voters, it used social media, and it raised money from individual donors. It transitioned from anticorruption activism to having power, and this change was rough. The AAP may appeal to the middle- and lower- class people, but it does not have the organization to have an effective nationwide campaign. In conclusion, the BJP and Modi seem to be on the verge of success, while the AAP and especially the Indian National Congress will not, but the regional parties have not given up on a Third Front though; through all this, there is still little know of Modi and his vision for India for if he and the BJP come to power, though many Indians and people abroad see him as the cure for India’s stagnant economy and policies.

Analysis:  In his article “India’s Changing Political Fortunes,” Ronojoy Sen argues that India’s election would be a hard contest to call, especially with the introduction of the AAP, but certain broad trends can be observed. Dr. Sen provides detailed evidence to support this claim; he includes the election results of previous elections and the state elections to analyze which parties are rising or declining in popularity, and he includes statistics and the number of seats won in the previous and state elections. These statistics and results are facts, and he uses them to back up credible assumptions and other facts. There are not many opinions in the article, only predictions. Dr. Sen’s opinions are distinguished with key words such as “will be,” “expect,” and others. Lastly, Dr. Ronojoy Sen is a reliable source, as he has much experience and many strong credentials, and he is a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore.