Russo-Japanese Relations in the North Pacific: The Kuril Islands Dispute Final Paper

This study aims to provide a thorough survey of the pertinent developments that have contributed to the current state of the Russo-Japanese territorial dispute in the north Pacific. Because the contemporary state of affairs is based heavily on historical claims and interpretations of early treaties, it is necessary to understand how the Kuril Islands dispute progressed historically. This study begins by illustrating how relations between Japan and Russia first developed and what role the Kuril Islands played in this early relationship. Special attention is given to the two eighteenth century treaties (the Shimoda Pact and the Treaty of St. Petersburg) which are often cited as legal precedence in the debates surrounding the islands. The next section describes how World War II changed the course of the islands’ history. In this context, we also depict the role played by the United States and describe how military strategy and security considerations might have ultimately contributed to the post-war status quo. Additionally, we take a close look at the series of events up to and including Soviet annexation of the islands. The penultimate section analyses the post-war situation further and pays explicit heed to the 1955-56 negotiations in London, which saw both countries at the brink of a settlement. The final section summarizes the salient points on both sides of the argument, and in addition to discussing legal precedence and historical claims also attempts to evaluate what value the Kuril Islands might have in modern times. The end of the Cold War long over and the emergence of the Russian Federation has shifted the paradigm and has created hope for the proximate resolution of a decades old conflict.

Russo-Japanese Relations in the North Pacific: The Kuril Islands Dispute Final Paper

Reconciling China's Political System with Liberal Market Economics

This paper aims at providing readers with a concise and thorough understanding of the complexities of the Chinese political-economic system. By looking at the development of China’s economy chronologically starting from the late Qing, we develop an account that brings to light the interrelationship between political and economic reforms. We also look at the role competing ideologies have played in economic debates and the leading figures behind them. The 1989 crackdown at Tiananmen Square and its impact on political dialogue is also explored. Furthermore, Tiananmen’s role as the ‘high noon’ of Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms and as a crucible of ideas for the furtherance of conservative CCP ideology is examined. We also analyse contemporary political trends in the post-Tiananmen era and how the coming to power of Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao has affected future economic developments. Finally, we illustrate some of the seeming contradictions and anomalies of China’s current economic situation by alluding to prominent contemporary intellectuals.

Reconciling China's Political System with Liberal Market Economics

Public Opinion, the Media and the Arab Spring: Has Decades of Media Research Been in Vain?

A short article detailing how coverage about media influence and effect is often exaggerated generally not given adequate context.

Public Opinion, the Media and the Arab Spring: Has Decades of Media Research Been in Vain?