Theories of International Political Economy
If we can permit the possibility that individuals may seek to re-secure their instrumental and normative concerns outside of their existing political, economic and social context, securing their identity in the future rather than the past, then we cannot deny the promise of the rational choice framework for understanding and action. Identities need not be assumed or inter-subjectively constructed; they may simply be made of our dreams and convictions.
9/11, the War on Terror, and ‘Halo’
This essay will focus on the science-fiction ‘Halo’ series of video games to show how mediation, remediation, and hypermediation has significant political, ethical and moral influences on its audience in relation to the War on Terror. Botler and Grusin’s ‘Remediation: Understanding New Media’ will be drawn upon to describe how this colourful, futuristic ‘space opera’ depicting an interstellar conflict for the fate of humanity has a constructive role in creating a post-9/11 American identity and morality.
Deterrence in Counter Terrorism
Despite being theorised during the Cold War, deterrence continues to play a central role in informing the state’s military and judicial responses. Nevertheless, while denial and punishment strategies may yield short-term benefits, such policies have proven unable to remedy the issue of terrorism in the longer term. Only by engaging with the socio-political contexts from which terrorism emerges and draws its support can counter-terrorism effectively seek to prevent terrorism.
Assessing the Arguments For and Against Nuclear Proliferation
Nuclear Proliferation is both an enduring critical matter in international security and a source of heated debate amongst the various ideological schools of thought in international relations. Although specific disputes can be assessed based upon which one is side is more effective with their argument, the general debate is much more ambiguous.
The EU strategy towards the Developing World
The African, Caribbean, and Pacific states-European Union Partnership Agreement, known as the Cotonou Agreement, is a partnership in name, but arguably not in nature.
Deterrence and Terrorism in the Modern Era
The efficacy and applicability of deterrence depends on the broader question of how one conceptualises and defines terrorism, and whether one deems terrorism insurmountable and ‘evil’ or recognises root causes, legitimate grievances and pathways to accommodation.
When the Towers Fell: Mourning and Nostalgia after 9/11 in HBO’s The Wire
To the extent that The Wire has had anything to say about the events of 9/11, which it implicitly comments upon during its five seasons, it is the message of continuity that stands out. Too much has been made about how the world changed on 9/11. And while it would be altogether fraught to claim that nothing has changed, it is also true that the world which existed before 9/11 continues to exist today.
Russia-NATO Missile Defense
The idea of joint Russia-NATO ballistic missile defenses remains controversial and far-fetched. But how big are the obstacles to a genuine Russia-NATO missile defense cooperation and is overcoming them worth the trouble? The most obvious issue with bringing the idea into reality is the incompatibility of NATO and Russian radar and interceptor components, which complicates intelligence sharing and requires a considerable number of technical adjustments on both sides
The Impact of Identity and Historical Context on the Thought of Hans J. Morgenthau.
This paper emphasises the importance of Morgenthau’s German-Jewish identity set against the particular social background in which he began to develop his thought. It seeks to highlight the impact which these factors had on the development and evolution of some important elements of Morgenthau’s work.
The pursuit of research at the expense of teaching
A university can sometimes make very questionable choices. If its raison d’être is to provide high quality education, then surely having first-rate teachers is a precondition for the execution of its function. Universities need to keep in mind that they are schools first and research institutions second. This hunger for prestige through research output puts at risk not only the careers of passionate and inspirational teachers, but also the education of students.s
