The Principles Of Liberal Idealism And Realism

The Principles Of Liberal Idealism And Realism For the purpose of this essay, my discussions will be narrowed down to the theory of Realism and would reflect on my knowledge of the topic before the seminar, key issued raised, what i learnt during the seminar and how it impacted on my understanding, i would also discuss what i did thereafter with my knowledge of the topic in terms of further research. I had just the basic knowledge about the concept of Realism before attending the aforementioned seminar which is that power is of primary importance to the realist. Also, in international relations, states are primarily motivated to obtain power and security because of anarchy on the world stage. The 1963 version of the movie Lord of the flies which we watched in a previous class also went a long way to aid my understanding of the themes of power and security in the realist school of thought. In the movie Lord of the flies, elements of realism were highlighted, there was a high regard for the values of national security and state survival which was eminent in the character of jack who formed his own gang of hunters and claimed to provide security from the beast and food for all those who followed his leadership. Also, the conviction that international relations are conflictual and that these conflicts are ultimately resolved by war. This can be linked to the character of Jack who had constant disagreements with Ralph of which he was always ready to go to war. I learnt from the movie that laws and rules are necessary to keep the darker side of human nature in check. When all elements of civilization disappeared from the island, the boys revert to a more primitive part of their nature; savages and anarchy replaced democracy. During the course of the seminar, ten assumptions of the principles of realism were discussed based on Kegley (1995) who asserted that people are sinful and wicked by nature and the likelihood of eliminating the instinct for power is rather utopian. Key issues were raised and discussed from different perspectives, but something of particular interest to me was the way power was viewed by some of my peers as not just the ability to dominate others or as a state having international influence or military strength on the world stage and not even in financial terms. Power was viewed in ideas as well; an ideology is even more powerful than money or any other material thing. This is interesting because the realist has this hierarchy of power capabilities and military strength is its most obvious way of enforcing power, the realist would relegate ideas to low politics. This point was challenged during the discussion by a fellow student who stated that the realist belief of power superseding an ideology had changed after the Second World War and that ideology had been placed on a much higher level than power. But that was the same thing that was said in the height of the cold war, the fight was a clash of an ideology and this clash was combated through guns, tanks and bombs. A good question raised was that are the guns, tanks and bombs a means to an end or are they a means in itself? That is to say are these weapons complementing an ideology? Or will ideas be smashed by guns, tanks and bombs. Personally i think on the long run, an ideology will definitely survive any form of weapon because it is the way of life of a people but if there is an uprising, weapons can be used to subdue but not necessarily causing deaths or more chaos. However, this was not the case in China during the Tiananmen Square Massacre of June 1989, where students and intellectuals led series of demonstrations in and near Tiananmen Square in Beijing beginning on 14 April, 1989. For more than six wee ks, millions of students gathered at Tiananmen Square to protest against the governments authoritarianism and called for economic change and democratic reform. On the night of June 4 1989, the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) tanks rolled into the centre of Beijing and killed hundreds of students, intellectuals, supporters and bystanders (Shirk, 2007). Another interesting issue raised was one very good argument in the heart of the cold war which is that would Washington sacrifice New York in order to save London? Meaning that if there was a nuclear attack, would Washington realise that our duty is to save our ally before we save ourselves. In answering this question, a state thinks of its self and its benefits first, it has to be calculating, Washington will never sacrifice New York to save London or any other ally. Also when it comes to power, a state has its interest at heart; looking at the China, United States, Taiwan relationship, America stood in there as an intermediary force also putting into consideration what its losses would be if it takes any rash decisions, which shows that a state considers its benefits first and is always calculating. The US cannot pick fights with China despite its constant human rights abuses because China is the big boy on the playground. Another issue discussed was that of national interest, the realist defines national interest as the acquisition of power (Kegley, 1995).We live in this atmosphere of national interest. It was in the US national interest to invade Iraq and go into Afghanistan; i presume it was in the national interest to get out of Iraq. A state needs to acquire power as much as possible if not, another state would and this then becomes a threat. According to Machiavelli, the fundamental responsibility of states people is to advance and defend the national interest. For Machiavelli, if the state is not strong, it will be a standing invitation for others to prey upon it (Donnelly, 2000). At the end of the seminar, we agreed that power cannot be eradicated instead; means and mechanisms to restrict and control it should be in place. The seminar impacted on my understanding of the concepts and principles of realism to a large extent especially the discussions on ideology of which i concluded that everyone is free to have an ideology, something they believe in. But the question remains: what do you do with your ideology? Is it used in a positive or negative way? Leaders since the Roman Empire have used ideology to instil amongst the masses a common consciousness, to help safeguard or teardown political communities and to equally conquer or repel alternative ideologies. An ideology can also be used to commit terrorism all over the world for example, Islamic extremists or radicals and 9/11. Hybel (2009) argues that world actors for centuries have aspired to propagate a structure of meaning through the world arena that reflected their own system of beliefs, ideas and values which would effectively protect and promote their material interest, believing their system to be superior to all others and such they felt moral ly obliged to spread it. Hybel states that radical Islamism is driven by the same set of goals. When these plethoras of ideas conflict or compete, war becomes almost inevitable. After the seminar, i carried out more research to aid the knowledge gained, i applied the concept of the realist quest for power to real life situation in international relations and theoretical approaches matched with applied analyses on events. Great powers all over the world are constantly competing for influence, international competition between the United States, china, Russia, Europe, Iran, India and Japan raises threats of regional conflicts. I was able to understand why the United State was an ambitious superpower. Kagan (2008) argues that Americas technical advances in weaponry far outstripped the rest of the world and placed the US in a special category of military superpower. As a matter of global strategy, they have preferred a preponderance of power to a balance of power with other nations, insisting on preserving and if possible extending regional predominance in the Middle east, East Asia, The Western Hemisphere: until recently Europe and Central Asia. According to Ch omsky (2003), The United States has been pursuing a grand imperial strategy aimed at staking out the globe. They are willing to dominate (as in the Cuban missiles Crisis) no matter how high the stakes. The Bush administration in September 2002 announced its National Security strategy which declared the right to resort to force to eliminate any perceived challenge to US global hegemony, which is to be permanent. China is another (emerging) superpower and a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Sixty years ago, China was torn by domestic conflicts, invaded, vulnerable, isolated and poor. Today, it is an economic giant with its economy racing to become the largest in the world and its military power growing steadily. No other nation has moved faster from weakness to strength (Kagan, 2008). In conclusion, the seminar opened my understanding to a plethora of ideas and concepts i hitherto had little knowledge of and was able to make sense of the link between the theoretical approaches of international relations and real life situations present in the world today as well as to professionally analyse international events.

Diabetes Type II

Diabetes is a condition characterized by individuals having elevated levels of blood sugar resulting from the body not producing sufficient insulin or the body cells not effectively responding to the insulin already present in the body (Kilvert & Fox, 2007). Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreases, enables the body cells to take up glucose and oxidizes it into energy (Zieve & Wexler, 2009). Lack of this glucose uptake by the body cells will result to the accumulation of glucose in the blood, a condition known as hyperglycemia (Kilvert & Fox, 2007).Hyperglycemia leads to a number of other serious complications. In type II diabetes also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) results from the body cells becoming resistant to insulin or the insulin that is produced in the body is insufficiency (Kilvert & Fox, 2007). The onset of diabetes type II can be characterized by individuals having general weakness, chronic fatigue, malaise and lethargy. Frequent urination i s not unusual and individuals often complain of excessive thirst.Excessive movements in the bowel and unexplained weight loss have been observed among individuals afflicted by the condition (Mayo Clinic, 2009). The individuals suffering from diabetes type II start having blurred vision caused by the alteration in the shape of the lens due to osmotic factors chiefly the elevated levels of blood glucose. Frequent thirst leads to the affected individual taking a lot of fluids. Diabetes type II is known to be a genetic disease although medical causes have been explained (Kilvert & Fox, 2007).There is an observation of an increased risk of developing diabetes type II in families where the parents have the disorder. A mutation in the gene known as the Amyloid Polypeptide gene lead to the early signs of the condition and makes the progress to a more severe diabetes type II condition possible (Kilvert & Fox, 2007). Apart from genetics, the condition can be caused by an alteration in the met abolism and deranged cell processes. Environmental factors have also been blamed to cause diabetes type II particularly some diets and weight (Zieve & Wexler, 2009).Some drugs have been identified to increase the risk of diabetes type II such as the thiazide diuretics, which inhibit the secretion of insulin because of the hypokalemic condition they cause. Thiazides also increase the insulin resistance due to elevated levels of mobilization of free fatty acids (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Other drug agents that can be blamed for drug induced hyperglycemia include beta blockers, somatropin, protease inhibitors, phenothiazines, flouroquinolones, corticosteroids, antipsychotics and calcium channel blockers. Treatment of Diabetes Type IIThe immediate objective of treating diabetes type II is to reduce the elevated levels of blood glucose while the long-term goal of diabetes treatment is the prevention of diabetes-related conditions, which arise after individuals have developed the complication. Diet and exercise remain the primary ways of managing diabetes (Ligaray & Isley, 2010). The afflicted individuals should be able to accurately test and record their levels of blood glucose. The knowledge on what to eat and what medications to use should be well known by people suffering from the disease. The patients should get important information from their doctors.Individuals with diabetes type II are recommended to eat at the same times every day and their meals should be consistent in terms of the type of foods they choose to eat (Ligaray & Isley, 2010). The adherence of the meal intervals and the type of foods eaten help prevent the increase or decrease in the levels of blood sugars. Individuals can plan their meals by eating the right quantity of foods, choosing healthy foods and eating the meals at the required time. Another aspect is the weight management. It has been observed that some people after cutting weight can stop taking medications even when they still have diabe tes.In extreme overweight individuals, bariatric surgery may be recommended. Gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic gastric banding are some of the weight reduction procedures that can be recommended in the management of diabetes (Ligaray & Isley, 2010). For diabetics, regular physical exercise is imperative (Mayo Clinic, 2009). It has been observed that aerobic exercise carried out regularly can help reduce the levels of blood sugars without the need of any medication. Exercise help to burn any excess fats and calories and therefore individuals with diabetes can easily manage their weight through exercises.Blood pressure and blood flow, which may be seen as a problem in diabetes type II can be improved (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Exercise decreases the insulin resistance in body cells without necessarily having any body loss. The body’s energy level is also said to improve with exercise and the ability to handle stress as well as lowering of tension are some of the benefits of exe rcise. When all the options of exercise and diet have failed, individuals may opt for medications that are prescribed by physicians. The drugs acting against diabetes function to lower the blood sugar levels in a number of ways (Ligaray & Isley, 2010).Physicians may prescribe for patients more than one type of medication because of the different modes of action of the different agents used in diabetes management. The drugs are also prescribed along with insulin when it is required. The drugs used in diabetes treatment are either given intravenously or orally. For instance, biguanides sold as metformin is used to decrease the hepatic production of glucose (Mayo Clinic, 2009). The rationale of biguanides is to make the fat cells, hepatic cells and the muscle cells to absorb more glucose from the bloodstream hence lowering the total blood sugar levels.Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are also important agents that lower the carbohydrate absorption from the digestive tract. This lowers the glucose levels especially after the meals. Sulfonylureas help in triggering the pancreases to produce more insulin and they are administered by oral route (Ligaray & Isley, 2010). Other agents used in diabetes management include the thiazolidinediones, pramlintide and exenatide and meglitinides. Insulin is only prescribes to patients who fail to respond to other methods of disease management such as diet monitoring, exercise and other medications (Mayo Clinic, 2009).In addition, insulin may be recommended for individuals who have poor reactions towards other medications used. Usually, insulin is injected under the skin by the use of an insulin pen device or a syringe. Insulin is never administered orally as proteolytic enzymes in the stomach may act on the hormone hence affecting the efficacy. In diabetes type II, the body cells fail to respond effectively to insulin even when it is present (Ligaray & Isley, 2010). This is typically seen in type II diabetes mellitus where the resist ance is cause by post-receptor derangements.Post-receptor effect implies that the insulin is sufficiently produced but the cells which should physiologically respond to the molecule have a problem recognizing the insulin (Ligaray & Isley, 2010). There is a general observation that the increased glucose production in the liver particularly in inappropriate times contributes to the inability of the body cells to respond to the ligand, insulin (Ligaray & Isley, 2010). This process, the conversion of glycogen to glucose affects the insulin level, which is important in hepatic function.The reduced insulin-dependent glucose transport especially in muscles and adipose tissues also contributes to the problem of diabetes type II. Similarly, there is an impaired function of beta-cells in the early phase of insulin release following the hyperglycemic stimuli. Diabetes type II is a condition which not only affects the regulation glucose levels but also other important body systems such as the i mmune system, renal function, reproductive system and cardiovascular system are largely affected (Kilvert & Fox, 2007). The immune system is hampered among the individuals suffering from diabetes type II.This can be seen in situations where diabetic individuals take a longer healing from the wounds and minor surgical incisions. The incidences of coronary artery complications as well as the arterial diseases are common among the individuals suffering from diabetes type II (Zieve & Wexler, 2009). Renal failure can be the most disturbing complication of diabetes type II where individuals may require dialysis for blood purification (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Diabetes type II has also been identified to be causing erectile dysfunction which can be a major problem in marriages.In general, diabetes type II is a problem which affects a number of body systems and leaves the affected individual and the family members and friends with a great burden. It is a condition of economic importance and effe ctive approach should be directed to its prevention and treatment. The social aspect of the patients and those close to them is affected. Although medications have been developed to manage the condition, effective treatments have not been developed, which can completely treat the problem. This calls for extensive research to come up with ways to manage diabetes type II.

Toefl Ibt Writing Essay Samples - What Is It?

Toefl Ibt Writing Essay Samples - What Is It? What the In-Crowd Won't Tell You About Toefl Ibt Writing Essay Samples Again, usually you'll have to choose between two opposite arguments. You are going to be asked to present your opinion and offer reasons and examples. To show Writing questions examples is a little difficult. Use certain reasons and examples to back up your answer. You can request advice to address a personal problem, an academic problem, or you could constitute an issue! Speaking about your opinions will allow it to be a lot easier to write about them. Select your words carefully so that you're answering the precise question that's asked. Every one of the questions is provided a mark of 0-5. The cost is dependent upon the size and urgency. To acquire the greatest scores, you are going to need three different, well-written reasons together with specific information. As a consequence, you aren't going to get the score you have earned. Learn what you have to change so as to boost your score. Face-to-face communication is much better than other varieties of communication, such as Use particular reasons and examples to back up your selection. Use certain details to explain the reason why this invention is necessary. Your response ought to be 150-225 words. Normally, an effective response is going to be 150 to 225 words. You may make use of these examples to find a clearer idea of what a high-scoring essay appears like and what graders want to get on the Writing section. TOEFL raters study your ability to produce various forms of sentences. If you're taking the TOEFL raters study your capacity to produce unique varieties of sentences. Bear in mind that the thesis statement provides the principal idea or aim of your essay. Each paragraph starts with a new important point that's then explained. You don't require an introductory paragraph, but you need to definitely compose a thesis statement. So why don't you use that time for a different paragraph! The Basic Facts of Toefl Ibt Writing Essay Samples For TOEFL, this kind of argument is referred to as a personal-opinion. It's a good idea to make a small plan before you get started writing your TOEFL response. This section is currently a normal portion of the TOEFL iBT. With the correct use of the subsequent communicative activities you can better your general writing skills for TOEFL iBT test. You're permitted to take notes as you read and listen. You will be able to take notes as you listen to it though. The usage of NFL jerseys is extremely common. With personalized jerseys of the NFL, you are certain that you've got the ideal design. Locating a cheap NFL jersey has been a daunting job for a number of the hardcore fans in spite of the team they support for. As our group of writers is quite big, we always have free writers ready to bring a manageable and well-paid purchase. What the In-Crowd Won't Tell You About Toefl Ibt Writing Essay Samples Writing about a different topic is a simple way to receive a minimal score. Summary of the TOEFLEssay. Note the way the data you listened to differs from the information which you read. Therefore, among the lowest scores students may receive is for missing the topic. You don't have to have much specific knowledge on any topic to be successful. You won't be required to get any prior knowledge on a topic. The Start of Toefl Ibt Writing Essay Samples Unemployment is far lower in urban centers. Students sometimes be worried about the point of view they choose to take. Life, Death, and Toefl Ibt Writing Essay Samples It is the only thing that could spell the difference between a terrific day and a bad one. Nobody will believe you as soon as you're telling the reality.

Who Invented the Frisbee

Every object has a history, and behind that history is an inventor. Who was the first to come up with the invention can be a topic for hot debate. Often several people independent of each other will all think of the same good idea at around the same time and will later argue something like No it was me, I thought of it first. For example, many people have claimed to have invented the Frisbee. The Legend Behind the â€Å"Frisbee† Name The Frisbie Pie Company (1871-1958) of Bridgeport, Connecticut made pies that were sold to many New England colleges. Hungry college students soon discovered that the empty pie tins could be tossed and caught, providing endless hours of game and sport. Many colleges have claimed to be the home of he who was first to fling. Yale College has even argued that in 1820 a Yale undergraduate named Elihu Frisbie grabbed a passing collection tray from the chapel and flung it out into the campus, thereby becoming the true inventor of the Frisbie and winning glory for Yale. That tale is unlikely to be true since the words â€Å"Frisbies Pies† were embossed in all the original pie tins and it was from the word â€Å"Frisbie† that the common name for the toy was coined. Early Inventors In 1948, a Los Angeles building inspector named Walter Frederick Morrison and his partner Warren Franscioni invented a plastic version of the Frisbie that could fly further and with better accuracy than a tin pie plate. Morrisons father was also an inventor  who invented the automotive sealed-beam headlight. Another interesting tidbit was that Morrison had just returned to the United States after World War II, where he had been a prisoner in the infamous Stalag 13. His partnership with Franscioni, who was also a war veteran, ended before their product had achieved any real success. The word Frisbee is pronounced the same as the word â€Å"Frisbie.† Inventor Rich Knerr  was in search of a catchy new name to help increase sales after hearing about the original use of the terms â€Å"Frisbie† and â€Å"Frisbie-ing.† He borrowed from the two words to create the registered trademark â€Å"Frisbee.† Soon after, sales soared for the toy, due to his company Wham-Os clever marketing of Frisbee playing as a new sport. In 1964, the first professional model went on sale. Ed Headrick was the inventor at Wham-O who patented Wham-Os designs for the modern frisbee (U.S. patent 3,359,678). Ed Headricks Frisbee, with its band of raised ridges called the Rings of Headrick, had stabilized flight as opposed to the wobbly flight of its predecessor the Pluto Platter. Headrick, who invented the Wham-O Superball that sold over twenty million units, held the utility patent for the modern-day Frisbee, a product that has sold over two-hundred million units to date. Mr. Headrick led the advertising program, new products program, served as vice president of research and development, executive vice president, general manager and CEO for Wham-O Incorporated over a ten-year period. U.S. patent number 3,359,678 was issued to Headrick on December 26, 1967. Today, the 50-year-old Frisbee is owned by Mattel Toy Manufacturers, one of at least sixty manufacturers of flying discs. Wham-O sold over one hundred million units before selling the toy to Mattel.