The Challenges And Opportunities For The Pacific Islands Politics Essay

The Challenges And Opportunities For The Pacific Islands Politics Essay When hearing the word Pacific Islands our minds wander off and mirror images of swaying palms, idyllic beaches, tranquil waters, cheap holidays and smiling locals. Beyond these characterisations, the Pacific island region is also known for its immense complexity and intriguing diversity. This is partly symbolised by the areas landmass fragmentation into thousands of scattered islands spread over the South Pacific. In line with this, my essay assesses some challenges to and some opportunities for the Pacific Island states since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Prior to this assessment, a regional profile is presented. Secondly, there is a brief explanation of the Pre- and Post-Cold War Pacific Island history. Thereafter, this essay addresses its core issues through the identification and assessment of some relevant Post-Cold War challenges to and a number of opportunities for the Pacific island region. To conclude I reiterate the essays major points of analysis. Pacific Island states in the post-Cold War World Regional Profile The Pacific Island region, which consists of 14 Island states and 21 political entities, is unique in many ways. Firstly, the South Pacific, which stretches from Australia and Papua New Guinea in the West to South America in the East, makes up one third of the earth. Simultaneously, this massive area is only home to 0.5% of the world population. Secondly, the region shows its uniqueness in a political sense through its distinctive cultures which gravely impact national and regional Pacific politics. This cultural diversity is reflected in the regions 3 main cultural groups: Melanesia in the West, Americanised Micronesia in the North and Polynesia in the South and East. Finally, according to Graham this aid dependent region, is exclusive and unseen due to its vast distance from global metropolitan centres, fragile ecosystems, limited resource base and the cultural clash between traditional lifestyles and the individualistic orientation of cash economies. The Pacific Islands in the pre and post-Cold War era Pre-Cold War era In the early twentieth century, the Pacific Island region entered a new era after its colonisation by the Western Powers. Over the next 50 years, the region, which was subjected to various territorial power shifts and the Japanese Invasion during World War II, remained under control of the Western nations. These latter established the South Pacific Commission, an advisory body on economic and social matters and more importantly a first form of regional cooperation, in 1947. Despite their decolonisation in the 1960s and 1970s, the newly emerged fully independent or self-governing island nations, maintained close connections due to a lack of economic self-sufficiency with their former Western colonisers, in particular Australia, New Zealand and the United States. In the early 1970s, the regional cooperation was further expanded through the establishment of the South Pacific Forum, a 16-member consisting advisory body on political matters. In the same decade and basically throughout the Cold War the aforementioned 3 regional powers used a strategic denial tactic against growing Chinese and Russian regional interests. While those three external regional powers were able to rebuff Soviet and Chinese overtures as well as control the region through the provision of development and financial aid assistance in the 1970s, the Pacific Island nations became more unsettled as a myriad of conflicts emerged in the following decade. Hence, the volatile 1980s, which resulted in increased domestic and regional political instability, were characterised by a series of illustrious events: military coups in Fiji, New Caledonian violence, temporary cession of the NZ-US ANZUS relationship, lawlessness in Papua New Guinea, a civil war on Bougainville and so forth. Post-Cold War era Since the end of the Cold War and the disappearance of the superpower rivalry by around 1990, the Pacific Island region has been confronted with numerous changes. For instance, the collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in an increasingly multi polar world and made international and regional organisations more influential. Furthermore, the economy started to play a pivotal role in international affairs. Contrastingly, the strategic value of the region for superpowers such as the US and the UK dwindled at first. However, after a growing Chinese interest, in particular the United States reviewed its regional strategy and policies. Some of these changes also created tensions and fuelled political instability at times. Corollary, the end of the Cold War also gravely affected the interests of the ANZAC countries. Due to the global emphasis on economic rationalism, the regions largest aid donors were pressured to lessen their unilateral involvement. After signing a number of agreements in t he beginning of the new millennium, the Pacific Island forum leaders implemented The Pacific Plan for strengthening Regional Cooperation and Integration in 2005. Overall, these numerous changes, which not only had a great impact on the region, have resulted in a series of challenges and opportunities for the Pacific Island nations. Challenges Environmental One of the key challenges for the Pacific Island environment is the issue of Climate Change. In an era characterised by increasing sea levels and the warming of the globe, the world was forced to commit itself to sustainable development. In response to the looming scenarios and dire implications of this phenomenon, international and regional organisations have prioritised the Pacific Island situation due to its above average rising sea levels. This latter has placed more stress on systems already under a lot of pressure. For instance, as a result of global warming, in the short term, the pacific islands could become prone to devastating storms. This could then lead to the contamination of the regions drinking water by sea water and ultimately to the inundation of many Pacific Island entities. Being fully aware of this, the South Pacific Forum has lobbied to raise international awareness and has aimed for the implementation of a framework convention on climate change. Unfortunately, a t present the involved small island states have yet to reach a consensus due to a negative cost-benefit analysis. However, unless a large-scale cooperation is established, the further existence of many low-lying islands will indeed be at stake. Another important environmental and economic issue concerns the resource management of Fisheries. In particular the Pacific Island tuna fishery, one of the worlds largest, is of vast importance to the region. Despite the region having a rich and extensive marine life, its lack of funds to develop and protect its 200 mile exclusive economic zones (EEZ) has created a major regional challenge. While having ensured the property rights over its marine resources, due to poor management and lacking funds, the island nations only receive a small proportion of the tuna fishery revenue. Moreover, tuna stocks face depletion due to unregulated fishing and open access. This results from the fact that the commercial fishing industry in the region is in hands of transnational companies and foreign fishing fleets. Therefore, to maintain this major source of income for future generations, it will be vital to safeguard a fairer distribution of the tuna fishery benefits and to prevent the depletion of its marine resources. Some of the other important regional environmental challenges are coastal area management, forestry, biodiversity, unregulated mining and domestic waste and problems of sanitation and water pollution. Political One of the main political challenges is to establish good governance to eliminate or at least minimise internal and external conflicts. Unfortunately, due to its late decolonisation from the Western Powers and its current heavy dependency on foreign aid the regional island states lack political and constitutional tradition. As a result, the Pacific Island region has an abundance of young island states facing internal instability. Furthermore, given the withdrawal of most Great powers from the region, the island states face a tremendous task of dealing with plentiful political challenges: high crime rates, numerous ethnic conflicts, corruption, drug trafficking, border disputes and so forth. Physical/Economic The Pacific Island region has a relatively weak economy. It is generally believed that the areas geographic remoteness, small size and small population base are the main reasons for this feat. Furthermore, its poor transport and communication links, heavy dependence on foreign states and limited resources have further affected the regions low economic growth. This latter has a clear impact on the regions low levels of employment which has led to poverty, social instability and crime. Furthermore, the employment challenge faced by the region is massive due to the rapid population growth in Micronesia and Melanesia. In order to overturn this doom spiral, higher economic growth will need to be created by adequate government spending on healthcare, urban infrastructure, waste management and environmental adaptation systems. Opportunities While the region faces a high number of challenges, one can be optimistic as there are definitely some growth opportunities for the region. One of these is the effect current Chinese investment has on the Pacific Island economy. Ever since the late 1990s Chinas influence in the South Pacific has grown rapidly. Regardless what Chinas motivations are, from the Pacific Island nations point of view any financial assistance can be an opportunity for the region. At present, China has already offered high amounts of financial and development assistance to enhance trade, improving local infrastructure, develop natural resources such as mining and petroleum and so forth. Another regional opportunity for growth lies in the regions tourism industry. Despite its high potential, the regions weak infrastructure, costly transportation, social and political instability, high crime rates and disease risks have slowed down tourism growth. To overcome these obstacles and truly capitalise on this massive opportunity, local governments and regional mechanisms need to address these above mentioned external constraints, develop national tourism policies in terms of its environmental impact, invest in tourism-related training to boost employment and improve marketing and data. Politically, establishing effective political leadership resulting in sustained growth is considered as a regional opportunity. This latter can only be accomplished through reforms. For instance, if one can strengthen the electoral systems and parliaments and involve the civil society in politics it will have a hugely positive effect on the government performance which will reverse the current doom spiral by minimising the numerous challenges the region is currently facing. In conclusion, it is evident from the above analysis of the Pacific Island region that due to slow growth various challenges are looming for the South Pacific nations. While there are a multitude of opportunities and despite foreign financial and developmental aid, without rapid economic growth the island nations will be unable to meet the various regional economic/physical, political and environmental challenges. Besides creating economic growth, it will be vital to manage its resources such as fishery, forestry, mining and tourism. In order to do so, vast and dramatic changes in political governance will be required. It remains to be seen though whether a combination of regional cooperation and local political stability through good governance will result into a major turning point in the Pacific Island history.

Genetic Engineering: Genetic Research and Gene Therapy :: Persuasive Argumentative Essay Examples

Genetic Research and Gene Therapy The human genome is the key to gene therapy, genetic diagnosis, and even to genetically engineer human beings. The human genome is a map of the entire DNA sequence, a blue book, of the individual, which is currently being mapped by the Human Genome Project. Knowing where and which gene controls what trait and causes what genetic disease will armed doctors with a powerful tool to treat their patients in the molecular level. On the other hand, people can jump at the opportunity to manipulate genes to create the perfect baby or enhance a specific trait. One of the few ways of achieving these goals is through research on human embryos. Genetic research on human embryo has two implications. One in therapeutic research (to detect, and hopefully correct gene flaws), which is more practical, and the other is parents deciding how their child should look (or an extreme word, eugenic). The latter, which in the present is wishful thinking but will be a reality in the future if the technology becomes feasible. This paper will mainly discuss the therapeutic research (the medical practice and technological aspect of genetic engineering on embryos) to show what can be done medically and its implications. The consequences, moral and ethical issue of genetic research on human embryos will not be discuss in length here, for it is a topic in other groups and within my group. Currently in therapeutic research, one of the things that can be done is a process call Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). PGD is a new medical treatment that incorporates the technology of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the ability to genetically removed a single cell from an 8-cell embryo to detect any genetic abnormalities (Forbidden Knowledge). In this way, "couples at high genetic risk [will have the] opportunity to start their pregnancy knowing that their baby will not have a lethal inherited disease" rather than stress by deciding whether or not to undergo a prenatal test such as amniocentesis, which requires the pregnancy be at least 15 weeks (Forbidden Knowledge). Some of the major genetic diseases that can be detected are Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, some form of cancers (Carmosino), aneuploidy chromosomes for chromosome 13, 18, 21, X, and Y (Jones), and sickle-cell anemia (Henig, 58). Gene therapy, which is in is early stages will greatly benefit from embryo research.

Lamoiyan Corporation: Building the Filipinos Essay

Most corporations in the Philippines these days are multinational companies. Those companies, though operating here in the Philippines, are owned by foreigners and not by Filipinos. This fact make us Filipinos purchase products that rather than helping our fellow Filipinos will more likely help those foreigners that are just using the some Philippines. Thanks to Filipino corporations that boom because of perseverance and patriotism, they serve as hope for us, Filipinos because of what they do, not just for their own businesses, but also, for the Filipino people. One of those corporations is the Lamoiyan Corporation. The Lamoiyan Corporation The Lamoiyan Corporation did not start as a toothpaste manufacturer, rather as a supplier of aluminum collapsible toothpaste tubes to toothpaste manufacturers. In 1970s, Dr. Pedro? s Aluminum Containers, Inc. enjoyed profit growth due to the increasing demand from the country? s leading toothpaste manufacturers, ColgatePalmolive, Procter and Gamble and Philippine Refining Company (PRC) now Unilever. However, in 1985, these companies began using laminated tubes and left Dr. Pedro? s Aluminum Containers, Inc. but instead of closing his factory, throwing into waste the entire leftover toothpaste container and having 200 people employed in his company go unemployed, he decided to make his own toothpaste and place it in his aluminum containers. Two years later, he reopened his factory as Lamoiyan Corporation, now known as the manufacturer of toothpaste brands? Hapee and Kutitap. The big toothpaste makers controlled 99% market before Dr. Pedro entered it in 1987. Today, the figure dropped down to 65%. The first of Dr. Pedro? s strategies was to to target the multi-nationals’ Achilles? heel: price. While Dr. Pedro knew that he could not compete in areas such as promotion and distribution, his decision to cut price by 50% won an immediate response from consumers. However, when Colgate followed suit with a 20% price cut, Dr. Pedro turned to market diversification. Among other things, he developed multi-flavored toothpaste for children. It took Colgate three years to respond, but by that time, Lamoiyan had already successfully captured the new market. Moreover, Dr. Pedro targeted specialized markets, by diversifying his product line to include Hapee Kiddie Toothgels, Dazz Dishwashing Paste and Dazz AllPurpose Kitchen Cleaner, Fresher feminine wash and Gumtect, a special gum-formula toothpaste, which larger companies did not find profitable. Lamoiyan Corporation has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Toothpaste Manufacturer by the Consumer’s Union of the Philippines for seven years. The company was also recognized by the Personnel Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) as having the Most Outstanding Program for Equal Employment. Natural Capitalism Natural capital refers to the resources and services provided by nature. They are of large economic value – more so than the gross world product. Natural capitalism is a system of four interlinking principles, where business and environmental interests overlap, and in which businesses can better satisfy their customers’ needs, increase profits and help solve environmental problems all at the same time. Taking care of the environment is a priority of Lamoiyan Corporation. With the future generation of kids in mind, Lamoiyan Corporation makes sure that they are doing their share in protecting the environment by putting in place some measures that will help. Lamoiyan Corporation, in compliance to Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, properly disposes their chemical by-products during the manufacture of their famous Hapee toothpaste and all other products. In this way, it does not damage the environment and human beings. Since water is getting scarce these days, the corporation continues in manufacturing affordable toothpaste but not overusing water resource through its wastewater treatment facility. With its wastewater treatment facility, it recycles water, thus, conserving a voluminous amount of water which is a precious resource. In addition, in terms of energy consumption, the company implements a strict energy-saving policy that involves the proper use of electricity. Their energy consumption includes turning off of unused lights and unplugging and not just turning off of personal computers and other electrical devices. With these, we can say that Lamoiyan Corporation? s business and environmental interests overlap since they don? t want to close their business and they also care for the environment that? s why they comply with every policy mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The corporation also can better satisfy their customer? s needs since they save on electricity and water, therefore, the price of their products will be cheaper and more affordable. They also can increase their profit while saving mother earth. Corporate Social Responsibility In its almost 24 years of success as the first Filipino to ever penetrate the toothpaste market, Lamoiyan Corporation never failed to adhere to its social responsibility. About 30 percent of the employees of Lamoiyan Corporation are hearing-impaired. Sign language is the only means of communication between the hearing-impaired and hearing personnel, so he has also required his managers to learn it. Dr. Pedro does not only employ them but also, helps provide them with free housing, thus, improving their way of life. Since there are still many deaf-mute people outside the company that also need help, Lamoiyan took it upon itself to support three schools and 14 centers that provide basic sign language courses to the hearing-impaired. Upon graduation, some students are sent to college as scholars, while others are hired by the company. For Dr. Pedro, being socially responsible is not only taking care of the hearing impaired, but also taking care of his employees, providing a decent place where they can work safely and taking care of his employees? Physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. His company holds regular Bible studies and prayer meetings to help make food for the soul. Their singular corporate motto is â€Å"Making the difference for the Glory of God. † Moreover, Lamoiyan? s products are very affordable for Filipino families belonging to the C, D, and E market, giving them the chance to access dental care and therefore, making their life better. William Ford Jr. , chairman of Ford Motor Co. said, â€Å"Social responsibility is much bigger than supporting worthy causes. It includes anything that impacts people and the quality of their lives. † The social responsibility of Lamoiyan Corporation does impact people and their quality of lives, it? s more than giving people fishes, but teaching them how to fish. Social Justice Social justice is the fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc. , are to be treated equally and without prejudice. Lamoiyan Corporation did not fail to exercise social justice as it follow laws on labor, etc. One example is its compliance to Section 3 of Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states: â€Å"The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. † Lamoiyan Corporation promotes equality of employment opportunities for all given that they hire deaf-mute people even if they do not possess the ability to hear and to speak. Another thing, Lamoiyan Corporation complies with every policy mandated by the Department of Environment and natural Resources for the environment protection, therefore, following the law and being fair with other Filipinos since the corporation will not be a cause of calamities that destroy the Filipinos. Lamoiyan Corporation is also fair in giving salaries and benefits to its employees. They also follow the laws stated in the Labor Code of the Philippines. Regarding its treatment to its customers, I could say that Lamoiyan Corporation is fair in pricing their products compared to multi-national companies which have high-priced toothpaste with the almost the same quality as Lamoiyan? s. Filipinos get good quality toothpaste at the right price. Can Business Build Or Destroy The Filipino? Lamoiyan Corporation did very well in practicing Natural Capitalism. It follows every law and regulation mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and does projects other done what the DENR told them to save the planet. People might say that they are just doing these for themselves, for their business not to close, for them to save money on conserving electricity and water, etc. Well, yes, they may be doing it for themselves but let us put in mind the Invisible Hand Theory of Adam Smith. The Invisible Hand Theory of Adam Smith states that an individual will accidentally/unconsciously benefit other individuals by promoting his self interest. Lamoiyan Corporation, by promoting its business and environmental interests, benefit the Filipinos and possible, the whole world. Since they are conserving water which is getting scarce, they are helping the future Filipino people to still have water as a resource. Their energy conservation, moreover, can help lessen global warming, thus providing a better world to the next generations. The toothpaste manufacturer has a very good corporate social responsibility. Since they are employing deaf-mute Filipinos, who are supposedly unemployed because of their disability, the number of unemployed Filipinos is lessened and therefore, reducing poverty, somehow. The company, through its corporate social responsibility, does not merely give their beneficiaries fishes but they teach them how to fish through giving their beneficiaries free education. And after their education, those beneficiaries can stand on their own even without the help of the company. One question that one may ask is what would happen to their deaf-mute employees if the corporation will all of a sudden close and only the Lamoiyan Corporation employs deaf-mute Filipinos. Well, I foresee that the company will stay for the next one hundred years, if not for a lifetime, since their products are affordable and efficient. Especially these days, Filipinos are becoming wiser in choosing the products that they will use since saving money is a must. Regarding social justice, Lamoiyan Corporation recognizes basic human rights like Article VII of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states: All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination. Since Lamoiyan Corporation is fair and equal to everyone, even to the deaf-mute people, the deaf-mute people have the opportunity to live as normal people and gain confidence in order to improve themselves and eventually, the Philippines. To sum up, businesses like Lamoiyan Corporation help build the Filipino people through its efforts of promoting its business and environmental interests. First, they provide a better world for the future generations by doing their part in minimizing the effects of global warming. Yes, they cannot totally stop global warming, but doing something is much better than doing nothing. Second, it provides employment to Filipinos, especially to those who are not likely to be employed, and it gives chance to others to be employed in the future by giving them education. Employment generation is a key strategy in reducing poverty. Third, justice prevails in and out of the corporation. They respect the rights of others anywhere. Aristotle said â€Å"It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered. † Lastly, Lamoiyan Corporation is a Filipino Corporation. Filipinos have the reason to buy Filipino products whose quality can be compared with multinational corporations? products and to help their fellow Filipinos and purely, the Filipinos. Bibliography Amory Lovins. â€Å"Natural Capitalism. † Accessed January 7, 2012. http://www. abc. net. au/science/slab/natcap/ Baker, Mallen. â€Å"Corporate Social Responsibility. † Accessed January 9, 2012. http://www. mallenbaker. net/csr/definition. Php Briones, Roehlano. â€Å"Employment Generation for the Rural Poor in Asia: Perspectives, Patterns, and Policies. † Accessed January 10, 2012. http://www. adb. org/documents/periodicals/adr/pdf/BRIONES. pdf Business Dictionary. Com. â€Å"Social Justice. † Accessed: January 8, 2012. http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/social-justice. html â€Å"„Buy Filipino? Concept An Answer To Crisis, Say Consumer Executives. † Manila Bulletin, December 17, 2004. Accessed January 9, 2012. http://www. mb. com. ph/node/190337 â€Å"Cecilio Pedro: David of Philippine Business. † Filipino Christian Achievers, August 29, 2010. Accessed January 9, 2012. http://christpinoy. blogspot. com/2010/08/cecilio-pedro-david-of-philippine. html Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. â€Å"The Labor Code of The Philippines. † Accessed January 9, 2012. http://www. chanrobles. com/legal4labor3. htm De Vera, Ian Jester. â€Å"Entrepinoy Challenges Giants. † Philippine Online Chronicles, March 6,2010. Accessed January 9,2012. http://www. thepoc. net/thepoc-features/buhay-pinoy/buhay-pinoy-features/4426entrepinoy-challenges-giants. html Flores, Karen. â€Å"Cecilio Pedro: When Innovation Is Key. † ABS-CBN News, June 6, 2010. Accessed January 9, 2012. http://www. abs-cbnnews. com/business/06/06/10/cecilio-pedro-when-innovation-key â€Å"For Lamoiyan, Environment Comes First. † The Philippine Star, May 12, 2011. Accessed January 8, 2012. http://www. philstar. com/Article. aspx? articleId=685037&publicationSubCategoryId=7 5 Galarpe, Karen. †How One Filipino Company Practices Corporate Social Responsibility. † Accessed January 8, 2012. http://blogs. inquirer. net/openforbusiness/2009/03/31/how-one-filipino-company.

The American Dream - 885 Words

Is prosperity possible The American dream, an essential part of our lifestyles, the American dream, the determination of all Americans, the American dream, a fantasy that is almost impossible to achieve. Were currently the only first world country with third world wealth distribution (Reich), and thanks to the great recession of 2008 which lingers on to this day, and we may never reach wealth equality. Due to a myriad of factors involving the great recession, the wealth gap grew almost exponentially. And although some might say that prosperity is possible for all Americans, there is evidence that proves otherwise. Furthermore, the American dream is unattainable for a majority of Americans as the wealth gap continues to grow. The†¦show more content†¦As a result, the lack of money used to loan out tightened the money supply and increased interest rate resulting from it lead to the lower class taking fewer loans which further hurt their ability to move upward. as a result of t hese factors, the banks were instrumental in making prosperity nearly impossible. Prosperity is nearly impossible for all Americans due to the government. for example in Robert Reich’s documentary Inequality for all, there is a graph which correlates 1928 and 2007 in terms of income distribution. this is essential as they were both a year before their own recession and many of the trends were similar. one similar trend was the regressive income tax rates which lead to an increase in the wealth gap. Another example from the same film which showcased the government creating the wealth gap is from the lobbyists in the government, as they can influence politicians on their decisions. 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