Living on one dollar a day

Go watch "Living On One Dollar" on Netflix.  What does this documentary illustrate about the difficulty of living in extreme poverty?  What are some solutions to helping the extreme poverty.  Which solutions do you think are most effective and why?  Go to www.livingonone.org for more information on how you can make an impact.

Don't call it a comeback: The SNP surges

The Scottish National Party (SNP) seems to making a comeback after their failed attempt to pass a referendum for Scottish independence form the United Kingdom.  Read this article and answer the following questions.  Why might the SNP be possible "Kingmakers" in the upcoming election?  Why do you think there was a massive upsurge in popularity after the vote for independence failed?  Often, as a party, if you fail to pass a referendum that forms the basis of your party ideology you have to his the "reset button" so to speak.  For SNP this didn't happen, why not?  Identify two ways in which this article/topic illustrates devolution.  Cite the article in youtr reasoning as often as possible. 

Virunga (required)

In the Netflix documentary Virunga, what is the source of much of the political violence in the Congo and surrounding the Virunga National Park?  Is it primarily carried out by state or non-state actors?  What are the major motivations for these groups?  What is the best illustration of corporatism/patron-clientelism in the documentary?  Why is this a good example?  Identify three difficulties in reconstruction and economic development that are prevalent in Virunga and explain why they present such problems.

The hidden price of development

The goal of the World Bank according to their website is to "end extreme poverty within a generation and boost shared prosperity."  There are many who argue that their projects not only achieve that goal, but have crushing economic consequences and often displace or adversely effect thousands of people.  Read this NPR article about the unforeseen consequences of many of the development projects of the World Bank, do some additional research about some of the World Bank policies and answer the following questions. 

Do you think the World Bank puts the priorities of the local population first, or do they consider development as a greater good that will inevitably have unintended negative consequences that are worth it in order to achieve the greater goal of development?

Do IGOs like the World Bank help or hinder these LDCs in their development capabilities?  Is the debt incurred by the LDCs worth the reward they get from the major projects the World Bank helps to finance?  Why or why not?

What concepts does this debate about development help to highlight from the course?  Explain the connection.  Find an additional article about a similar concept, summarize and highlight the connection between the concept and your article.

 

The EU and issues of integration, economic and political supranationalism (required)

Read this article and do research on the economic problems of Greece and the EU.  Currently the country of Greece is in massive debt.  Why is this a problem for not only Greece, but the entire EU?  How do you think this issue will be fixed?  Should they focus on the path of austerity or a massive "bail out"?  What problems does this help to illustrate about some of the negative side effects of supranational organizations?  Despite those negative aspects, why does the EU exist and why do countries want to be a part of it?  What are the positive aspects of such integration an supranational organization?  The UK plays a unique role in the EU, what is that role and how is it unique?  Find, summarize and post a link to an article that helps to show the unique role the UK plays in the European Union.

Elections in the UK (required)

Parliament is dissolved and the parties are in full campaign mode in the UK in preparation for the elections on May 7th.  Go here and read/watch at least three articles about the ongoing campaigns(to answer all of the questions you might need to read more and feel free to go to any other website to supplement your research).  After your research respond to the following questions and feel free to start a discussion about anything you found interesting.  Who is the main contender to unseat David Cameron and conservative leadership?  In your opinion, what are the three main policy debates that will decide this election?  Who do you think will win and why?  If you were a British voter, how would you vote?  Which voting coalitions are the major parties trying to court for their votes?  Do you think we will see another coalition government in the new Parliament or will there be one dominant party?  Why or why not?  How are the British campaigns for Parliament different than American campaigns for Congress and the Presidency?  What is the role of money and the media in these campaigns?  How does that compare to what we see here?  Compare this campaign and election cycle with the Nigerian election we just covered in class.  What are the most obvious differences?  What are some similarities?  What are the reasons for these similarities and differences?  Remember, be specific in your responses and find the connections to the concepts we have talked about in class.  Citing the articles/sources you have read and using excerpts from the articles is expected.

Wednesday Double Header

Big news coming from Nigeria as President Goodluck Jonathan is ousted in an election and for the first time in Nigeria's history a sitting President has been removed by the ballot box.  Clearly this is a historic day for Nigeria and it will be interesting to look at how post-election tension will manifest, or if the transition will be entirely peaceful.  Read the linked article above, research to find out more and contribute below.  I will not be giving you much guidance here, but try to connect it to the concepts we have learned thus far in the course.  Some possible starting points would be regional/ethnic/religious differences, rule of law, free and fair elections, role of media, NGOs (monitoring the election), etc.  All I want is a discussion of the election and the possible implications for the future of Nigeria.

In other news, Iran's foreign minister, Zarif, says that he is hopeful for a nuclear deal, as the negotiations are coming to a close.  This post will require more research as the linked article is bare bones.  Again, I am simply looking for insightful discussion linking the ongoing negotiations to concepts in class and an examination of their possible implications.  These posts will serve as two opportunities for assignment points.  Do one or both. 

Persepolis reflection (required)

After watching Persepolis, I want you to consider the role of women in Iranian society, the change brought about by the Iranian Revolution and overthrow of the Shah, and alos, Iranian civil society in general.  After watching Persepolis and reading/listening to this article, answer the following reflection questions.

1.  What was your favorite part of the movie? Why?(funniest, most poignant, most educational, most surprising, etc.)
2.  What is one thing that you learned about life in Iran or the history of Iran that you did not know before?  Was there anything else you were misinformed about concerning life in Iran?  Explain.
3. Do the article and the movie give you a different perspective on the role of women in Iran?  Does it modify any preconceived notions about the opportunities afforded to Iranian women?
4.  Does the less conservative President Rouhani provide a temporary opening for women to achieve certain social and political goals, or is this just a first step in a more permanent, long-term change?
5. What are some obstacles that women in Iran still face in achieving their goals?  Explain your reasoning.

Nigeria’s Internet warriors

Describe two functions of the media in Nigeria.  Explain two ways in which the media helps to establish civil society AND contribute to political culture in LDCs.

Here is the corresponding article.

Nigeria elections: How it works

Describe two characteristics of Nigeria’s electoral system.  How does the electoral system account for the diversity of the Nigerian population?  Is there strictly procedural democracy in Nigeria?  Why or why not? If not, what are the elements of substantive democracy? 

Here is the corresponding article.

Boko Haram Crisis: How have the militants become so strong?

Identify two reasons why the militants of Boko Haram have become so strong.  Explain why they are able to gain so much power and reek so much havoc across the country.  Why is it easier for terrorists to gain power in developing nations?  

Here is the corresponding article.