Women and the Evolution of World Politics

Synopsis Thesis statement:Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Women and the Evolution of World Politics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In a status hierarchy, men are closely associated with such phenomena as aggression, intense competition, violence, and war1. Main points of the article In the animal kingdom, violence within a species is rare but when it occurs, it is often limited to infanticide by males who desire to mate with the mother and eradicate a rival’s offspring. In chimps, like in humans, males are the ones involved in coalition building and violence Whereas male chimps practice realpolitik, their female counterparts have relationships Male bonding is to a large extent, genetic, and tends to predate the human species The noble savage idea holds that patriarchy and violence are either rooted in capitalism or the Western-Judeo Christian tradition The systematic mass killings of women, men and children that took place in Neolithic times were largely due to violence perpetrated by men. The same could be said of Cambodia, Bosnia, and the Holocaust. All Western and postindustrial societies are moving towards a world run by women, which would essentially follow different rules from one run by men. 1. Francis, Fukuyama, â€Å"Women and the evolution of world politics†, Foreign Affairs 77, no. 5 (1998): 24-40 Although women have risen in terms of leadership positions, men are still expected to play a pivotal role in matters governance, especially in postindustrial countries Males and females experience profound differences and these are mainly genetic, more than culturally rooted. One of the clearest differences between the sexes (male and female) is with respect to aggression and violence. Because men are more prone to violence and aggression compared with women, in a truly matriarchal; world, we are likely to witness less conflict, more cooperation and concil iation that is the case today. Men harbor aggressive tendencies towards each other and it is very hard to eliminate this. Connections to Environment The article has addressed the issue of environment adequately. For example, the author reports of a study carried out by Frans de Waal, a primatologist, on a chimp colony at a zoo in Netherlands where a young male chimp formed a coalition with another younger and energetic male chimp to unseat the aging alpha male of the colony1. The article has also talked of how a group of chimps in a national park in Tanzania. In a study that was carried by Jane Goodwall, the aforementioned group of chimps broke into two factions- the southern faction, and the northern one. 1. Francis, Fukuyama, â€Å"Women and the evolution of world politics†, Foreign Affairs 77, no. 5 (1998): 24-40 The article reports how a group of chimps from the northern gang would pounce on unsuspecting members of the southern group and kill them in a grisly attack. Thi s happened until all the males and several females had been murdered. Other females joined the northern gang.Advertising Looking for critical writing on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Culture The article has also addressed the issue of culture at length. For example, it talks of the higher murder rates among the Kung San who inhabits the Kalahari Desert. It also talks of how the American men have always been more supportive of the country’s involvement in war, such as the Gulf War, and the war with Iraq, compared with their female counterparts2. Moreover, the author of this article talks of how as human beings, we have been socialized to think of a man as being superior to a woman, despite the fact that women can also accomplish similar fetes to those accomplished by men. Governance and security With regard to the issue of politics, the author talks of the desire by nearly all feminists to see enhanced female participation in political affairs. The article further observes that such female leaders as Margaret Thatcher proved to be more determined and tougher than her male opponents and as such, she managed to beat them at their own game3. Additionally, the article talks of the need for masculine policies to govern the people in the future so that they can deal with deal with male leaders who rule with an iron fist. 2. Charli, Carpenter, â€Å"Gender Theory in World Politics: Contributions of a Nonfeminist Standpoint?†, International Studies Review, 4, no. 3 (2002): 153-165 3. Bruce, Russett, Harvey, Starr, and David, Kinsella, World Politics: The Menu for Choice. (Stamford, Mass: Cengage Learning). The author has also observed that the interaction between demographic trends and the feminization of democratic politics will result in the emergence of elderly women as an important voting bloc in the future. Resources and development The article has also dwelt on the issue of r esources whereby there is a battle for domination in order to determine who takes control of scarce resources. For example, the article has given example of groups of chimps who have had to fight over a territory whereby the weaker of the two groups loses not just their territory, but also the resources contained therein4.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Women and the Evolution of World Politics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The same case goes for countries or communities that go to war in order to capture certain territories for the control of resources. Among savage communities, there are reports of young men fighting over a female. Critique and reflection Critique I am in agreement with the author’s thesis statement to the effect that in a status hierarchy, men are closely associated with such phenomena as violence, aggression, intense competition, and war. This is because women are rarel y portrayed as being aggressive, perhaps because society has conditioned us to accept that men are the ones who should be aggressive and violent, and not women. Most of the times, women, fall under the shadows of their male counterparts because we are living in a patriarchal society. 4. Ann, Tickner, â€Å" Why Women Can’t Run the World: International Politics According to Francis Fukuyama†, International Studies Review 1, no. 3, (1999): 3 – 11. On the other hand, this is not to say that women cannot be equally aggressive and intensely competitive as their male counterparts; the only expectation is that women can do so without portraying instances of violence. We have also had women leaders such as Margaret Thatcher who triumphed as a political leader in an area hitherto dominated by men. Conquering and dominating the weaker race appears to be the forte of men but it would be interesting to see whether this would change if women were to dominant global politics. Reflection The implication that one gets after reading the article is that we are lily to witness a shift in global power from a predominantly male dominated society to one where females have more say on issues of politics and governance. In the next few decades, there will be more elderly women among the population in European countries and for this reason these women will undoubtedly aspire to form a formidable political bloc. This is likely to affect their voting pattern and depending on the path that they choose to take, one thing that we can be user of is that there will be more women leaders occupying elective post, compared to the current number. Such women leaders will in effect try to champion their own policies with the aim of achieving gender parity. Bibliography Carpenter, Charli, â€Å"Gender Theory in World Politics: Contributions of a Nonfeminist Standpoint?†, International Studies Review, 4, no. 3 (2002): 153-165Advertising Looking for critical writing on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fukuyama, Francis, â€Å"Women and the evolution of world politics†, Foreign Affairs 77, no. 5 (1998): 24-40 Russett, Bruce, Starr, Harvey, and Kinsella, David. World Politics: The Menu for Choice. (Stamford, Mass: Cengage Learning). Tickner, Ann, â€Å" Why Women Can’t Run the World: International Politics According to Francis Fukuyama†, International Studies Review 1, no. 3, (1999): 3 – 11. This critical writing on Women and the Evolution of World Politics was written and submitted by user Yehuda V. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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Mahdist War and the Siege of Khartoum

Mahdist War and the Siege of Khartoum Siege of Khartoum - Conflict Dates: The Siege of Khartoum lasted from March 13, 1884 to January 26, 1885, and took place during the Mahdist War (1881-1899). Armies Commanders British Egyptians Major General Charles Gordon7,000 men, 9 gunboats Mahdists Muhammad Ahmadapprox. 50,000 men Siege of Khartoum - Background: In the wake of 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War, British troops remained in Egypt to protect British interests. Though occupying the country, they allowed the Khedive to continue overseeing domestic affairs. This included dealing with the Mahdist Revolt which had commenced in Sudan. Though technically under Egyptian rule, large parts of Sudan had fallen to Mahdist forces led by Muhammad Ahmad. Considering himself the Mahdi (the redeemer of Islam), Ahmad defeated Egyptian forces at El Obeid in November 1883 and overran Kordofan and Darfur. This defeat and the deteriorating situation led to Sudan being discussed in Parliament. Assessing the problem and wishing to avoid the cost of intervention, Prime Minister William Gladstone and his cabinet were unwilling to commit forces to the conflict. As a result, their representative in Cairo, Sir Evelyn Baring, directed the Khedive to order the garrisons in Sudan to evacuate back into Egypt. To oversee this operation, London requested that Major General Charles Chinese Gordon be placed in command. A veteran officer and former governor-general of Sudan, Gordon was familiar with the region and its peoples. Leaving in early 1884, he was also tasked with reporting on the best means for extracting the Egyptians from the conflict. Arriving in Cairo, he was re-appointed Governor-General of Sudan with full executive powers. Sailing up the Nile, he arrived at Khartoum on February 18. Directing his limited forces against the advancing Mahdists, Gordon began evacuating women and children north to Egypt. Siege of Khartoum - Gordon Digs In: Though London desired to abandon Sudan, Gordon firmly believed the Mahdists needed to be defeated or they could overrun Egypt. Citing a lack of boats and transport, he ignored his orders to evacuate and began organizing a defense of Khartoum. In an effort to win over the citys residents, he improved the justice system and remitted taxes. Recognizing that Khartoums economy rested on the slave trade, he re-legalized slavery despite the fact that he had originally abolished it during his earlier term as governor-general. While unpopular at home, this move increased Gordons support in the city. As he moved forward, he began requesting reinforcements to defend the city. An initial request for a regiment of Turkish troops was denied as was a later call for a force of Indian Muslims. Increasingly agitated by Gladstones lack of support, Gordon began sending a series of angry telegrams to London. These soon became public and led to a vote of no confidence against Gladstones government. Though he survived, Gladstone steadfastly refused to become committed to a war in Sudan. Left on his own, Gordon began enhancing Khartoums defenses. Protected to the north and west by the White and Blue Niles, he saw that fortifications and trenches were constructed to the south and east. Facing the desert, these were supported by land mines and wire barriers. To defend the rivers, Gordon retrofitted several steamers into gunboats which were protected by metal plates. Attempting an offensive near Halfaya on March 16, Gordons troops faltered and took 200 casualties. In the wake of the setback, he concluded that he should remain on the defensive. Siege of Khartoum - The Siege Begins: Later that month, Mahdist forces began to near Khartoum and skirmishing commenced. With Mahdist forces closing in, Gordon telegraphed London on April 19 that he had provisions for five months. He also requested two to three thousand Turkish troops as his men were increasingly unreliable. Gordon believed that with such a force, he could drive off the enemy. As the month ended, the tribes to the north elected to join with the Mahdi and cut off Gordons lines of communication to Egypt. While runners were able to make the journey, the Nile and telegraph were severed. As enemy forces surrounded the city, Gordon attempted to convince the Mahdi to make peace but with no success. Siege of Khartoum - Fall of Khartoum: Holding the city, Gordon was able to somewhat replenish his supplies by raiding with his gunboats. In London, his plight was played up in the press and eventually, Queen Victoria directed Gladstone to send aid to the beleaguered garrison. Acquiescing in July 1884, Gladstone ordered General Sir Garnet Wolseley to form an expedition for the relief of Khartoum. Despite this, it took a substantial amount of time to organize the needed men and supplies. As the fall progressed, Gordons position became increasingly tenuous as supplies dwindled and many of his more capable officers were killed. Shortening his line, he constructed a new wall inside the city and tower from which to observe the enemy. Though communications remained spotty, Gordon did receive word that a relief expedition was en route. Despite this news, Gordon greatly feared for the city. A letter that arrived in Cairo on December 14 informed a friend, Farewell. You will never hear from me again. I fear that there will be treachery in the garrison, and all will be over by Christmas. Two days later, Gordon was forced to destroy his outpost across the White Nile at Omdurman. Made aware of Gordons concerns, Wolseley began pressing south. Defeating the Mahdists at Abu Klea on January 17, 1885, the men met the enemy again two days later. With the relief force approaching, the Mahdi began planning to storm Khartoum. Possessing around 50,000 men, he ordered one column to wade across the White Nile to attack the citys walls while another assaulted the Massalamieh Gate. Moving forward on the night of January 25-26, both columns quickly overwhelmed the exhausted defenders. Swarming through the city, the Mahdists massacred the garrison and around 4,000 of Khartoums residents. Though the Mahdi had expressly ordered that Gordon be taken alive, he was struck down in the fighting. Accounts of his death vary with some reports stating he was killed at the governors palace, while others claim he was shot in the street while trying to escape to the Austrian consulate. In either case, Gordons body was decapitated and taken to the Mahdi on a pike. Siege of Khartoum - Aftermath: In the fighting at Khartoum, Gordons entire 7,000-man garrison was killed. Mahdist casualties are not known. Driving south, Wolseleys relief force reached Khartoum two days after the citys fall. With no reason to remain, he ordered his men to return to Egypt, leaving Sudan to the Mahdi. It remained under Mahdist control until 1898 when Major General Herbert Kitchener defeated them at the Battle of Omdurman. Though a search was made for Gordons remains after Khartoum was retaken, they were never found. Acclaimed by the public, Gordons death was blamed on Gladstone who delayed forming a relief expedition. The resulting outcry led his government to fall in March 1885 and he was formally rebuked by Queen Victoria. Sources: BBC. General Charles Gordon. Fordham University.  Islamic History Sourcebook: Death of General Gordon at Khartoum. Sandrock, John.  Windows to the Past: Siege of Khartoum.

Operations Management course. Memo Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Operations Management course. Memo - Case Study Example Although CX Technologies has been able to maintain its position in the market, growth has plateaued and with the incoming recession, business is set to go down further. Bhole e.al states that the company’s expansion into the Asian market recently and considering the positive outcomes of this expansion, the probability of succeeding into the automotive industry is high (7-8). According to observers, the automotive industry faces a bleak future, considering that many people are more apprehensive about rising gas prices, a factor that has led to lower vehicle purchases. The situation has been aggravated by the fact that the largest three manufactures have approached the government in search of caution against the recession. According to Bhole et.al, possibilities for success are raised by the sheer size of the industry in the United States is a major motivating factor in this expansion (7). This allows for CX Technology to penetrate the market and offer competitively lower prices, since the company’s personnel are enough to provide the needed labor. With branches in Asia already, the company is in a good position to tap into the Chinese market and take advantage of the growing economy and demand for automobiles. This is a risky project because it puts the entire future of the company at stake. If the decision is made to follow up with the plan, then the company risks running bankrupt, especially considering the current recession. If the proposal into expand to the automotive industry is passed, then feasibility studies need to be undertaken as soon as possible. The company’s entire workforce is to be notified about the new enterprise, so as to be prepared to provide the necessary labor. In conclusion, every business needs to take a risk once in a while and test new opportunities; otherwise it risks stagnation and monotony. Venturing into the automotive industry seems like a worthwhile risk for CX Technology, in an effort to grow the company’s