Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

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?

Political Dimensions of Agricultural Innovation and the Green Revolution in India: Paper

This paper provides a rough outline of the genesis of the Green Revolution, with special emphasis placed on its socio-political aspects. Most examples provided pertain to the Indian Punjab, as HYV diffusion was greatest there compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. The first section deals with the major institutions and actors generally seen as occupying a central role in the development of the high-yield seed variety (HYV), such as the CIMMYT and the IRRI. Briefly discussed are also basic considerations about the growing circumstances in India and the proposed benefits of HYV seed technology. In Part II, a detailed account is given about the precise political circumstances that surrounded agricultural research after the Second World War. Discussed at length is also the influence of the Rockefeller Foundation and the U.S. government in helping shape the Green Revolution's institutional predecessors in Mexico, such as the Office of Special Studies. Part III runs through the social and political consequences of HYV seeds as an agricultural innovation devised specifically to alleviate rural poverty. It entertains both the positive and negative aspects and also broadens the paper‟s general scope by inviting the reader to think critically about the role of science in society. Part IV seeks to demonstrate how the Green Revolution is largely the product of a socio-political system that encouraged its development and was largely responsible for the minutia of its effects.

Political Dimensions of Agricultural Innovation and the Green Revolution in India: Paper

Medienpädagogik - Mitschrift

Mitschrift aus dem Wintersemester 2010. Universität Wien, Institut für Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft.

Medienpädagogik - Mitschrift

Medien- und Kommunikationstheorie - Mitschrift

Mitschrift aus dem Wintersemester 2010. Universität Wien, Institut für Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft.

Medien- und Kommunikationstheorie - Mitschrift

Unternehmen aus sozialwissenschaftlicher Perspektive: Kurzfassung

Kurzfassung des Buches Unternehmen aus Sozialwissenschaftlicher Perspektive (Hg. Hametner, Lueger, Schülein)

Unternehmen aus sozialwissenschaftlicher Perspektive: Kurzfassung

Political Dimensions of Agricultural Innovation and the Green Revolution in India: Presentation

A short presentation detailing the major features of the Green Revolution. Particular attention is given to its genesis as a socio-political undertaking.

Political Dimensions of Agricultural Innovation and the Green Revolution in India: Presentation

Get 'Total Editing Time' to Work in Word 2010

This short guide explains how to get the time tracker function ('Total Editing Time') in word to work in Word 2010.

Get 'Total Editing Time' to Work in Word 2010