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.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, June 6, 2016
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.
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.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
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."
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."
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."
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
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"
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"
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