Foreign Policy Analysis: Concepts, Realism, and Liberal Challenges
Defining Foreign Policy (FP)
Foreign Policy is the political dimension of a state’s external relations within the international system. It involves a combination of goals and interests achieved using specific instruments and strategies, governed by regulations and principles crucial for maintaining relations with other countries. A main goal of FP is to understand and maintain the coherence and unity of relations with other states.
Understanding Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA)
Foreign Policy Analysis
Read MoreThe Fundamentals of the State and Forms of Government
Defining the State: Components and Authority
The state is the top political and administrative unit which governs a territory and under whose authority are all inhabitants. A state consists of a territory with clear and internationally recognized borders (including water up to 200 miles, subsurface soil, embassies and consulates, airspace, warships, and military aircraft).
Essential Elements of a State
A state requires a population that is governed by the same government and laws. Furthermore, it possesses
Read MoreBridging Cultural Gaps: American and Sharahadan Business Negotiations
Cultural Differences in Global Business Communication
Today’s business world is highly globalized, and the ability to manage cultural differences is the skill that distinguishes a successful international company from a struggling one. In the observed case of American and Sharahadan businessmen, there are two extremely different approaches to communication. Consequently, productive business relationships between these two companies are challenging but possible.
Analyzing Differences Using Trompenaars’
Read MoreMercantilism: From Classical Empires to Modern Economic Nationalism
The Mercantilist and Economic Nationalist Perspective
1. What is Mercantilism? Definition and Core Perspective
- Mercantilism is a state-centered approach in International Political Economy (IPE).
- It views the economy as a tool for national power and security, not as a neutral system.
- It is based on the idea that international relations are a continuous power struggle.
- It assumes that the international economy is a zero-sum game: one state’s gain is another’s loss.
- Wealth is considered finite, so every
Southern European Welfare Model: Characteristics and Policy Challenges
The Southern European Welfare Model
The Southern European countries must reconcile the demands of the economy with their current systems of social protection. The Southern Model faces several critical challenges:
- Population Aging: This involves the rising demand for specific services and an increasing dependency ratio.
- Labor Market Issues: Low employment rates and persistently high unemployment.
- Changing Family Structures: The rise of single-person households and single parents, compounded by the challenges
Economic Crises and Workers’ Movements (1873–1914)
The Second Industrial Revolution (Late 19th Century)
The Second Industrial Revolution introduced new energy sources, primarily oil and hydroelectricity, and fostered new industries: electrical, automotive, chemical, metallurgy, pharmaceutical, and food processing.
Transformations in Transport and Communication
Significant technological milestones included:
- 1884: Electric Metro Tram.
- 1885: Automobile.
- 1886: Submarine.
- 1890: London Underground expansion.
- 1892: Tractor.
- 1903: Airplane.
- 1912: Transatlantic communication