Reflection

Friday's discussion seemed to go in circles at times. I think part of this had to do with the confusion definition/use of the term Liberalism. In regards to trade embargos, the goal seemed to the embargos was overlooked. Instead we argueed over their immediate negative consequences without talking about the long-term effects. Government use trade embargos and invasions towards the same end. They seek to change the political structure or policies of political entity. Yes, invasion meens military conflict and loss of life, but it allows for total re-structuring. Policies which involve trade embargos also result in the death of the innocent. Political change comes through the struggles within in the country. Both policies create violence, disorder, and destruction; however, the hope is that following this, better governments and organizations will replace the previous. With these new tools, the people of the country and of the foreign power can prevent further disagreements and conflicts. I hoped to make this point in class, but time did not permit.

Potential Threat

I think that the Liberal hope of global policies being based on humanitarian sympathies and peaceful processes is a pleasant fantasy. However, at this time, it's a naive hope. Governments and their people are not solely concerned with the well-being of their fellow man. Natural resources, territory, trade, and wealth remain as the primary motivators for interactions between nations. These things are often aquired, controlled, and protected by military force. As of now, political Realists are correct, military force and global politics are inseperable. Force is not always used to settle disputes or to enforce policy, but it's the threat of military action that looms. The threat alone is often all that's needed to change economic policies or political alliances. To change this, the desires of men and nations must change. If human prosperity and cooperation were the chief concerns of humanity as a whole, only then could the Liberal ideals of peace be put into practice.

Economics?

The core of global politics is communication between governing bodies. In the information age access to information must be immediate. When nations cannot quickly send and recieve information, it becomes impossible to maintain a global community. Lack of communication between nations, states, or governments results in conflict and tension. But what makes communication necessary in the first place? First and foremost, commerce. For any nation or state to grow it must have wealth. A nation can only do so much with its own resources. In order to expand, nations must trade with one another. If a nation is isolated from the global community, it will only wither and die. Economics fosters a need for global politics. Communication becomes the most important aspect of world politics, because it allows global trade.

It's Gettin' Hot In Here

JESUS CHRIST IS IN THE HOUSE!!!! And this room is really hot. It is punishment for the wicked freshmen.
That is all.
J.C.