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Introduction To The Finite Element Method
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January 17, 2024
In the book co-authored by Joseph Nye and his student David Welch, focused on political science and international relations for policymaking, the central question revolves around whether these fields effectively address state and non-state issues, leading to global cooperation or conflict. The analysis considers the outcomes resulting from ideas and actions within the frameworks of realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Examining conflicts from ancient Sparta and Athens to contemporary issues in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and Palestine, the book explores the evolution of war amid information revolution, globalization, and transnational actors in civil or ethnic wars.
The historical context of international politics, ranging from imperial to feudal systems, is discussed in terms of their self-serving nature. Contrary to optimistic views, the author challenges the notion of finding "cows grazing peacefully on a farm" in international politics, emphasizing the absence of inherent natural harmony, as Hobbes quoted “Just as stormy weather does not mean perpetual rain, so a state of war does not mean constant war”. While the analogy suggests that a state of war does not imply constant conflict, the author acknowledges that unseen consequences may lead to costs and bankruptcy, citing examples of successful recovery like Japan and South Korea.
Economic reductionism is highlighted for influencing class dynamics in geopolitics, with the acknowledgment that certain historical rules, such as colonialism, are no longer viable, while others, like "tit for tat," remain relevant. Geopolitical power dynamics, centered on land, sea, and sky, are underscored as crucial elements derived from historical conflicts. The critique of weak international relations and the absence of a judicial consensus highlights ethical limitations, condemning the notion of "kill or be killed" in international affairs.
The author eloquently conceptualizes the terms states, nations, and nation-states in the context of sovereignty and state, emphasizing two crucial characteristics: (1) territoriality, where a state governs a demarcated portion of the Earth's surface, and (2) sovereignty, the absolute right to govern it. Realistically, states emerge as the primary significant actors. In democracies, the public exercises their sovereignty through voting rights to delegate a government.
The powers of states hinge significantly on central authority, classified as "strong" or "weak" states. Examples cited by the author include the United States and Singapore, illustrating material power. Referencing this chapter, it's worth noting that Sri Lankan national groups claim the right to self-government within states. Self-determination, the ability to decide one's political fate, becomes a global topic. Understanding five dominating issues—de facto governance, territory, people and oppression, government legitimacy, and recognizing sovereign interest—is crucial in forming agreed-upon governance.
International actors wield power and authority, with their interests, minds, and wills influencing correct or wrong inclinations. State agents may behave inappropriately, particularly in fragile states that theoretically have the capacity to control the flow of people and wealth across borders. States, however, are primarily empowered to tax and spend, epitomizing "power as the ability to get others to do what they otherwise would not do."
In the behavioral definition, political experts analyze power based on demography, territory, natural resources, economic size, military power, and political stability. The author, Joseph Nye, renowned for his work on soft power, distinguishes it from hard power. While soft power can influence minds and set political agendas, it's not inherently more effective or ethical than hard power. The author introduces the concept of "smart power"—knowing when to use hard or soft power or a combination of both.
Power distribution among states is viewed behaviorally, with Waltz distinguishing "images" at the individual, state, and international system levels. Power dynamics stem from deep-seated psychological fears, desires, and needs. According to liberal thinking, capitalist states tend to be peaceful due to the detrimental impact of war on business. Quoting Miles's "where you stand depends on where you sit," the focus should be on state goals for continuity, promoting reciprocity with the flow of information to resolve conflicts.
As is customary, small states consistently grapple with issues involving larger states, particularly in terms of military threats, border disputes, and economic challenges. However, these issues can be resolved through effective policy-making and macro-level negotiations.
Furthermore, technology and innovation, initially developed for military purposes, have now evolved to address global human needs. This transformation signifies a positive shift brought about by the technology revolution, securing the world from destructive forces and presenting constructive challenges on the Earth's surface.
Quoting David Hume, who characterized the balance of power as a constant rule of prudent politics, it's essential for leaders to wield power judiciously. Rather than utilizing power for malevolent purposes, as criticized by Woodrow Wilson, leaders should strive for a balanced and productive approach. Wilson even suggested using power to counteract the influence of those lacking humanity in governing bodies, emphasizing the importance of a balanced power dynamic. In essence, wishing "Good luck for the balance of power," or else it may lead to a deluge, as exemplified by the consequences faced by Louis XIV, who famously declared, "I am the state." Power is transient and does not endure indefinitely.
The author proposes the collective responsibility for global security by upholding a balance of power without compromising state sovereignty, focusing on the period between two world wars. The pivotal role played by then U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was instrumental in preserving world peace. His fourteen points, articulated in January 1918, outlined the rationale for entering the war and expressed a commitment to providing mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity for both large and small states.
The author draws a distinction between collective security and the balance of power, emphasizing the capacity of aggressive politics, coalition dynamics within a collective security system, and the universal design of collective security with a non-neutral stance. However, the concept of collective security raises complex issues involving sovereignty and international law, contributing to the ongoing debate between idealism and realism.
Explaining the Cold War, as the author mentions, involves considering three perspectives: traditionalist, revisionist, and post-revisionist. In my opinion, the crucial aspect lies not in attributing blame or pinpointing where mistakes occurr ed but rather in finding the ultimate solution. It represents a transitional agreement between capitalist and socialist economic policies, aimed at alleviating war tensions, neutralizing the Great Depression, and fostering political concessions to address insufficiencies and demands.
While war reparations can cover the cost of damage, it falls short of addressing the broader consequences of antagonism, as seen with Germany's unwillingness in Europe and globally. Therefore, diplomatic relations, negotiation strategies, increased trade, and the establishment of global linkages are essential for achieving global peace. This new thinking, involving a focus on soft power, has the potential to ease tensions between countries.
The broadest definition of intervention involves forcibly interfering in the domestic affairs of other states, encompassing attributes ranging from low to high coercion. This interference can manifest in various forms such as speeches, broadcasts, economic aid, military advisors, support for opposition groups, blockades, limited military actions, and military invasions.
While globalization signifies worldwide networks of interdependence, it falls short in achieving global equity. Currently, only a handful of people, fewer than half a dozen, have access to the internet and smart technology. Despite this, the primary expectation of globalization is to diminish national boundaries, transitioning from traditional environmental concepts to contemporary areas such as global warming, climate change, digital economics, technology research and development, smart transport systems, trade and security policies, healthcare, smart education systems, and world peace.
To implement these global initiatives, international institutions have been established, managed and maintained through collaboration among member countries. The leadership powers within these institutions rotate among the member countries. This marks a new venture in the twenty-first century, characterized by being "thicker and quicker" and striving to be "farther, faster, cheaper, and deeper" in response to the rapid growth of technology.
The author emphasizes the significance of social media in the current trend of globalization, highlighting its innovative role in introducing new inventions and swiftly reaching household consumers. While globalization democratizes technology, there are still equity repercussions, posing a choice between "gun and butter."
In conclusion, resolving global conflicts necessitates comprehensive and updated policy-making. It requires fostering transparency within governments that actively engage on the global platform through informative and broadcast channels. Transnational communications have rendered borders more porous, and technological advancements have transformed the negative mindset portrayed in George Orwell's novel "1984." Importantly, the impact of technology has proven to be even more powerful in the twenty-first century.
The historical context of international politics, ranging from imperial to feudal systems, is discussed in terms of their self-serving nature. Contrary to optimistic views, the author challenges the notion of finding "cows grazing peacefully on a farm" in international politics, emphasizing the absence of inherent natural harmony, as Hobbes quoted “Just as stormy weather does not mean perpetual rain, so a state of war does not mean constant war”. While the analogy suggests that a state of war does not imply constant conflict, the author acknowledges that unseen consequences may lead to costs and bankruptcy, citing examples of successful recovery like Japan and South Korea.
Economic reductionism is highlighted for influencing class dynamics in geopolitics, with the acknowledgment that certain historical rules, such as colonialism, are no longer viable, while others, like "tit for tat," remain relevant. Geopolitical power dynamics, centered on land, sea, and sky, are underscored as crucial elements derived from historical conflicts. The critique of weak international relations and the absence of a judicial consensus highlights ethical limitations, condemning the notion of "kill or be killed" in international affairs.
The author eloquently conceptualizes the terms states, nations, and nation-states in the context of sovereignty and state, emphasizing two crucial characteristics: (1) territoriality, where a state governs a demarcated portion of the Earth's surface, and (2) sovereignty, the absolute right to govern it. Realistically, states emerge as the primary significant actors. In democracies, the public exercises their sovereignty through voting rights to delegate a government.
The powers of states hinge significantly on central authority, classified as "strong" or "weak" states. Examples cited by the author include the United States and Singapore, illustrating material power. Referencing this chapter, it's worth noting that Sri Lankan national groups claim the right to self-government within states. Self-determination, the ability to decide one's political fate, becomes a global topic. Understanding five dominating issues—de facto governance, territory, people and oppression, government legitimacy, and recognizing sovereign interest—is crucial in forming agreed-upon governance.
International actors wield power and authority, with their interests, minds, and wills influencing correct or wrong inclinations. State agents may behave inappropriately, particularly in fragile states that theoretically have the capacity to control the flow of people and wealth across borders. States, however, are primarily empowered to tax and spend, epitomizing "power as the ability to get others to do what they otherwise would not do."
In the behavioral definition, political experts analyze power based on demography, territory, natural resources, economic size, military power, and political stability. The author, Joseph Nye, renowned for his work on soft power, distinguishes it from hard power. While soft power can influence minds and set political agendas, it's not inherently more effective or ethical than hard power. The author introduces the concept of "smart power"—knowing when to use hard or soft power or a combination of both.
Power distribution among states is viewed behaviorally, with Waltz distinguishing "images" at the individual, state, and international system levels. Power dynamics stem from deep-seated psychological fears, desires, and needs. According to liberal thinking, capitalist states tend to be peaceful due to the detrimental impact of war on business. Quoting Miles's "where you stand depends on where you sit," the focus should be on state goals for continuity, promoting reciprocity with the flow of information to resolve conflicts.
As is customary, small states consistently grapple with issues involving larger states, particularly in terms of military threats, border disputes, and economic challenges. However, these issues can be resolved through effective policy-making and macro-level negotiations.
Furthermore, technology and innovation, initially developed for military purposes, have now evolved to address global human needs. This transformation signifies a positive shift brought about by the technology revolution, securing the world from destructive forces and presenting constructive challenges on the Earth's surface.
Quoting David Hume, who characterized the balance of power as a constant rule of prudent politics, it's essential for leaders to wield power judiciously. Rather than utilizing power for malevolent purposes, as criticized by Woodrow Wilson, leaders should strive for a balanced and productive approach. Wilson even suggested using power to counteract the influence of those lacking humanity in governing bodies, emphasizing the importance of a balanced power dynamic. In essence, wishing "Good luck for the balance of power," or else it may lead to a deluge, as exemplified by the consequences faced by Louis XIV, who famously declared, "I am the state." Power is transient and does not endure indefinitely.
The author proposes the collective responsibility for global security by upholding a balance of power without compromising state sovereignty, focusing on the period between two world wars. The pivotal role played by then U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was instrumental in preserving world peace. His fourteen points, articulated in January 1918, outlined the rationale for entering the war and expressed a commitment to providing mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity for both large and small states.
The author draws a distinction between collective security and the balance of power, emphasizing the capacity of aggressive politics, coalition dynamics within a collective security system, and the universal design of collective security with a non-neutral stance. However, the concept of collective security raises complex issues involving sovereignty and international law, contributing to the ongoing debate between idealism and realism.
Explaining the Cold War, as the author mentions, involves considering three perspectives: traditionalist, revisionist, and post-revisionist. In my opinion, the crucial aspect lies not in attributing blame or pinpointing where mistakes occurr ed but rather in finding the ultimate solution. It represents a transitional agreement between capitalist and socialist economic policies, aimed at alleviating war tensions, neutralizing the Great Depression, and fostering political concessions to address insufficiencies and demands.
While war reparations can cover the cost of damage, it falls short of addressing the broader consequences of antagonism, as seen with Germany's unwillingness in Europe and globally. Therefore, diplomatic relations, negotiation strategies, increased trade, and the establishment of global linkages are essential for achieving global peace. This new thinking, involving a focus on soft power, has the potential to ease tensions between countries.
The broadest definition of intervention involves forcibly interfering in the domestic affairs of other states, encompassing attributes ranging from low to high coercion. This interference can manifest in various forms such as speeches, broadcasts, economic aid, military advisors, support for opposition groups, blockades, limited military actions, and military invasions.
While globalization signifies worldwide networks of interdependence, it falls short in achieving global equity. Currently, only a handful of people, fewer than half a dozen, have access to the internet and smart technology. Despite this, the primary expectation of globalization is to diminish national boundaries, transitioning from traditional environmental concepts to contemporary areas such as global warming, climate change, digital economics, technology research and development, smart transport systems, trade and security policies, healthcare, smart education systems, and world peace.
To implement these global initiatives, international institutions have been established, managed and maintained through collaboration among member countries. The leadership powers within these institutions rotate among the member countries. This marks a new venture in the twenty-first century, characterized by being "thicker and quicker" and striving to be "farther, faster, cheaper, and deeper" in response to the rapid growth of technology.
The author emphasizes the significance of social media in the current trend of globalization, highlighting its innovative role in introducing new inventions and swiftly reaching household consumers. While globalization democratizes technology, there are still equity repercussions, posing a choice between "gun and butter."
In conclusion, resolving global conflicts necessitates comprehensive and updated policy-making. It requires fostering transparency within governments that actively engage on the global platform through informative and broadcast channels. Transnational communications have rendered borders more porous, and technological advancements have transformed the negative mindset portrayed in George Orwell's novel "1984." Importantly, the impact of technology has proven to be even more powerful in the twenty-first century.
Displaying 1 of 1 review