In Class, we viewed a documentary entitled "Nixon's China Game". the premise of this movie is to illustrate how Nixon worked diligently to meet with Mao Zedong to better relations between the US and China. What amazed me is the intricate detail that this mission had. Everything was kept secret until the announcement in 1971. In my opinion, that is the best way to operate, to let as very little people know as possible in order to move forward with a project that would benefit the nation. This way, public opinion is not a hindrance.
As the documentary progressed,there was a lot of tension during Nixon's stay in China. Rightfully so, because if there was a fatal flaw in the implementation of this plan, than this would consequently cause a rift in the future relations of China and in turn they would aid Russia. This would have been a severe blow to the United States.Fortunately this China game caused Russia to adjust, which ultimately gave the US a leg up in the Civil War.
The rest is clearly documented.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Background: What is International Relations
International Relations: The study of foreign affairs of and relations among states within an international system.
Collective Goods Problem: How can a group serve its collective interests when doing so requires its members to forgo their individual interests?
State: A territorial entity controlled by a government and inhabited by a person
These three terms have to be defined and understood clearly to further understand the field of International Relations. What was unannounced to me was that the topic surrounds us in everyday life.
Examples :
Sony, who is a Japanese electronic company, produces most commonplace electronics and the PlayStation Video Game Console. (The only American Video Game Console is the Xbox, which is produced by Microsoft)
The Major Fast food chains (McDonalds, Burger King, KFC) made famous in the United States are also very popular in other countries, for example, We looked up "KFC in Beijing, China" via Google Maps and found 5 all on one street, and way more just in the city alone
The National Debt (Money the US owes) is about 14.3 Trillion...who do you think is lending the US this money? Certainly not US banks
9 times out of 10, most of your clothes, furniture, electronics, etc. were manufactured in China or Taiwan
In terms of the collective goods problem, we face this even in our own country, how can we act on the best interest of the group, when by doing that, one's individual interest is sacrificed?
Examples:
In a relationship, you and your partner have to act and make decisions together to satisfy the relationship (one may want to enjoy a night on the town, but chooses to stay in for the sake of the relationship)
Congress proposes and passes bills all the time which are supposed to be in the best interest of the country but the arguments that come for these bills are the voices of individual interests.
Each nation and individual is affected by the basic concepts of international relations, whether one understands it or not. Take a look at everything around you and then think about how it would be different if there was not an outside force affecting it.
Collective Goods Problem: How can a group serve its collective interests when doing so requires its members to forgo their individual interests?
State: A territorial entity controlled by a government and inhabited by a person
These three terms have to be defined and understood clearly to further understand the field of International Relations. What was unannounced to me was that the topic surrounds us in everyday life.
Examples :
Sony, who is a Japanese electronic company, produces most commonplace electronics and the PlayStation Video Game Console. (The only American Video Game Console is the Xbox, which is produced by Microsoft)
The Major Fast food chains (McDonalds, Burger King, KFC) made famous in the United States are also very popular in other countries, for example, We looked up "KFC in Beijing, China" via Google Maps and found 5 all on one street, and way more just in the city alone
The National Debt (Money the US owes) is about 14.3 Trillion...who do you think is lending the US this money? Certainly not US banks
9 times out of 10, most of your clothes, furniture, electronics, etc. were manufactured in China or Taiwan
In terms of the collective goods problem, we face this even in our own country, how can we act on the best interest of the group, when by doing that, one's individual interest is sacrificed?
Examples:
In a relationship, you and your partner have to act and make decisions together to satisfy the relationship (one may want to enjoy a night on the town, but chooses to stay in for the sake of the relationship)
Congress proposes and passes bills all the time which are supposed to be in the best interest of the country but the arguments that come for these bills are the voices of individual interests.
Each nation and individual is affected by the basic concepts of international relations, whether one understands it or not. Take a look at everything around you and then think about how it would be different if there was not an outside force affecting it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)