Thursday, October 31, 2019

Foreign policy of Colombia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Foreign policy of Colombia - Essay Example The economic and political dynamics being experienced in the 21st century have necessitated the need for countries to formulate effective foreign policies defining their relations with their international partners. The liberalization of world market has created the need for countries to form trading blocks in order to safeguard their economic interests. The collapse of the Soviet Union created new political alignments, as different countries attempt to assert their influence in the world. Formulation of foreign policy in such a dynamic world subjects many countries in pragmatic and ideological dilemma, making the process quite challenging. Colombia is not an exception and this paper examines the foreign policy of the Latin American country from 1989 to the present. The first part examines the historical foundation of Colombian foreign policy during the cold war, focusing on its main principles. The second part focuses on Colombian relations with regional and international partners an d finally the changes of country’s foreign policies since 1990. The foreign policy of Colombia has historically been inclined to western and anti communist ideologies during and after the cold war. After the Second World War, the Soviet Union developed immense global influence that spread across all continents including Latin America. This resulted to polarization of global ideologies, between communism and capitalism. The foreign policies of all countries in the world were divided between the two super powers, the capitalist United States and the communist Soviet Union. The United States emerged the more dominant power after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Colombian foreign policy was strategically aligned to it.... After the collapse of the Soviet Union, United States emerged as the sole global superpower. Therefore, inclining the foreign policy of Colombia towards the superpower became the most pragmatic approach of ensuring security of its economic and political interests. Since 1989, Columbian dependence on the United States military support and funding has increased considerably (Randall, 141). The economic and security threat posed by persistent internal insurgency in Colombia since 1940s and the effects of illegal drug trafficking in the region played a critical role in orienting the country’s foreign policy towards United States (Randall, 142). Therefore, the high dependence of the country on United States and the desire to uphold the international law has compelled Colombian foreign policy to embrace a multilateral approach to balance its relations with the US and global and regional organizations. United States and the neighboring Latin American countries have historically playe d a critical role in the Colombian politics, security and economy. According to Randall, United States is the largest foreign market for Colombian products. In 2007, Randall (142) noted that Colombia exported goods worth over$9.4 billion to United States and imported merchandize worth over $8.5 billion from the US. The neighboring countries, especially Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico are significant Colombian trading partners. In 2007, the total volume of trade between Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil was valued at $4.1 billion, $3.3 billion and $2.5 billion respectively (Randall, 142). In addition, Germany is an important Colombian economic partner with total trade between the two states valued at $1.5 billion in 2007(142). Therefore, economic factors play a crucial role in defining

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Strategies to Turn Around a Division in a Company Essay Example for Free

Strategies to Turn Around a Division in a Company Essay The steps towards turning around an ailing division would require identifying areas that are operational and non operational areas. Thus, both positive and negative elements in regard to the functionality of the system would have to be identified. How these elements would be applied to enhance the performance of the division is of significant. Therefore, I call for a meeting to introduce myself as well as know the team working in that division. In the process, I would give reasons for my belief in the success of the division where I would explore prior achievements and point a way towards achieving such results. I would show that I believe in their expertise and explain my role as to lead the team into achieving success and a good work environment. I would eliminate their fear of loosing jobs and ask them to participate fully in the process to turn around the division. To establish the areas that are functional and not functional, I would engage the employees. Thus, I would ask them to write down what they think works and what doesn’t in the division and give suggestion on what they would want done to rectify the fault. I would also lay out a system where all the employees would access the information gathered and involve them into deciding the best ideas where they would vote on the ideas to implement. I would then discuss with them the results. If I find some ideas not viable, I would explain and open the floor for comments. I would encourage criticism. (Maund, 2001) Communication is vital within an organization and thus I would improve its tools and functions within the division. Thereafter, I would extend this gesture to other departments where I would encourage departmental heads to share information with employees. I would offer incentive for improved communication within and between departments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After achieving enhanced communication I would embark on improving the product line. The problem of an outdated product line with diminishing market share is as a result of rejection by buyers. The reasons would list as the product being obsolete, low in quality, very expensive or the wrong audience is being targeted. Thus, I would request the marketing and sales department to conduct a study to determine a solution. The research findings would be open to employees for scrutiny within a set period of time probably, a week. We would effect changes to the product line and ask employees to try the products in the market and ask them for their opinions on them. Note that these would not be free samples to employees. About the division structure, I would not alter to avoid alienating employees. Instead, I would maintain the stability of the previous environment and inject momentum by introducing new tasks and communication tools and functions. However, if there were suggestions through the initial fact findings I would consider structural changes. Last but not least, I would present the fact finding to the top management with reasons as to the course of action I took. In the agenda, I would include strategies of marketing the new product line where after, I would request for funds to launch the new product line stating our expected financial returns. The old product would have to be terminated and therefore, expenses streamlined. (Sparrow and Hilltop, 1994) In conclusion, as much as the success of these strategies would depend on the market, enhanced communications and participation of motivated employees as well as improving non functional systems and maintaining functional systems, are vital into conquering that market. References Maund, L. (2001): An Introduction to Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice: Palgrave Macmillan, Sparrow, P. and Hilltop, J. (1994): European Human Resource Management in Transition: New York, Prentice Hall.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Comparison of The Crucible and The Lottery

Comparison of The Crucible and The Lottery In Arthur Millers The Crucible, and Shirley Jacksons the Lottery the main characters, John Proctor, and Ms. Hutchison suffer inhumane treatment due to the societies conformity to the beliefs/traditions and the power of the authority in the two towns. The conformity of the town of Salem is because the government is ruled by the bible. It stated in the beginning that Salem developed theocracy, a combine of state and religious power whose function was to keep community together, and to prevent any kind of disunity that might open it to destruction by material or ideological enemies. (7) The town of Salem believes strictly on the bible, and does not question its power. If an individual in Salem were to question the words/beliefs of the bible it is seen that they are working with the devil. An example of this from The Crucible is the conversation between John Proctor, Elizabeth and Hale. Hale: Proctor, let you open with me now, for I have rumour that troubles me. Its said you hold no belief that there may even be witches in the world. Is that true sir? Proctor: I know not what i have said, i may have said it. I have wondered if there be witches in the world although I cannot believe they come among us now. Hale: Then you do not believe Proctor: I have no knowledge of it; the Bible speaks of witches, and I will not deny them. Hale: And you, woman? Elizabeth: I-I cannot believe it. Hale: You cannot! Proctor: Elizabeth, you bewilder him! Elizabeth: I cannot think the Devil may own a womans soul, Mr. Hale, when she keeps an upright way, as I have. I am a good woman, I know it; and if you believe I may do only good work in the world, and yet be secretly bound to Satan, and then i must tell you sir, I do not believe it. Hale: But, woman, you do believe there are witches in- Elizabeth: If you think that i am one, then I say there are none. Hale: You surely do not fly against the Gospel, the Gospel- Proctor: She believe in the Gospel, every word! Proctor: She do not mean to doubt the Gospel, sir, you cannot think it. This be a Christian house, sir, a Christian house. (69) This shows that everyone needs to believe in what the bible says, no matter what your own belief is. Anything against it will result in consequences. An example is when because of what Elizabeth had said, her and John Proctor were forced to that they had to come to church every Sunday, and that their last child was to be baptized right away. It was also and as importantly, a long overdue opportunity for everyone so inclined to express publicly his guilt and sins, under the cover of accusations against the victims. (7) John Proctor faces serious consequences when he does not agree to sign his name on the paper that confesses and shows everyone in town he saw witches. Danforth: Come then, sign your testimony. Give it to him. Come, man, sign it. Proctor: You have all witnessed it-it is enough. Danforth: You will not sign it? (141) Proctor: You have all witnessed it; what more is needed? Danforth: Do you sport with me? You will sign your name or it is no confession, Mister! Parris: Praise be to the Lord. (142) This ends up having John Proctorwho went against the bible, to suffer and be hanged. In the Lottery, the lottery has been tradition the town has followed for a long time. An indication that it has been happening for a long time, is because it stated that it has been happening even before the oldest man in town was born. Another indication it is tradition is when Mrs.Huticshson on page 254 comes running into town saying she remembered it was the twenty- seventh. The lottery is something the town takes very seriously. An example to show this is when Mrs. Adams says that the village in the north is thinking of giving up lotteries, and that some have already quit it. Old man Warner replies: Old Man Warner snorted. Pack of crazy fools, he said. Listening to the young folks, nothings good enough for them. Theres always been a lottery Nothing but trouble in that. (256) Old man Warners reply shows how much the town believes in the lottery. Even if people are starting to stop doing it, the town has conformed to what everyone else in the town is doing. Mrs. Hutchinson, who was shown to be the most against it, is the one who ends up suffering the most. The main characters of both stories suffer inhumane consequences also because of the authority and power of certain individuals. In the Crucible the town of Salem believes in the reverends of the court. The town does not question the authority of the town. This is shown multiple times in the book during court scenes. If anyone went against the political authority it was seen as a sin. The governments power is clearly stated by Parris. Parris: You people seem not to comprehend that a minister is the Lords man in the parish; a minister is not to be so lightly crossed and contradicted-. (30) The society conforms to the power of the authority. An example is when John Proctor tells Reverend Hale about how he feels about Parris. Proctor: I like it not that Mr.Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. Ill not conceal it. (65) Hale: I must say it, Mr. Proctor; that is no for you to decide. The mans ordained; therefore the light of God is in him. (66) This shows that even if the attitude and person of authority should be questioned, an individual in Salem should not say anything of it. In the end it shows as if because of him saying that of Parris, he suffers. In the Lottery the individual with the most power and authority is Mr. Summers. Everyone in town listens to Mr. Summers because he conducts the lottery, and because he is very good at it. Mr. Summers shows his power and proves how the town trusts him in his conversation with Mrs. Hutchinson. Daughters draw for their husbands families, Tessie, Mr. Summers said gently. You know that as well as anyone else. (257) He is very calm about his authority which allows the town to further believe in his authority. Even her husband Mr. .Hutchinson does not deny his authority and instead tells her to Shut up. Her outcry against his authority then leads her to face the consequences. In conclusion the conformity of the societies in both texts is because of the traditions/beliefs of society and the authority in power in the towns. This ends up in serious consequences for the main two characters because they questioned the authority and beliefs.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Today is Only the Beginning, My Past is a Complete Mystery :: Personal Narrative Writing

Today is Only the Beginning, My Past is a Complete Mystery It's funny how weeks pass so quickly and so much fills this life; I can't remember how one day is different from the next. Lately, a moment's peace means a falter of plans. My order is changed. Emotions, actions, events, and things go on around me, and I live through them not know how it was done. Sometimes there's reflection; it's haunting until tomorrow, and I have no idea what tomorrow is. Strangely, I think of why I'm here and wonder who I am behind this faà §ade, this name-looking for a balance and a connection, never knowing where to find it, and nobody else knows either; voices talk on the telephone about it for hours, or sit there drawing some strange parallels one afternoon. It all ends up somewhere in an unconsciously dreamworld; alas the perplaxity in distinguishing truth from reality is plaguing. Thinking of how to connect the two, three, and forty thousand images that fly by me day in and lights out, waking up and shock hits. All I want to do is do what I want to do, an d do what I have to do, and like it, and get something out of it. Never does a thought cross my mind that there may someday be disappointment. And, when the sun rises every morning, more things muddle some understanding and shake my order, catching me by utter surprise. Secret hopes that will one day lead me to whatever i think I am going to find, lie before me a mystery. Months mesh into one another. I went out into the backyard to look for violets, the small wild ones. My aunt had secretly shown me where they were one day after lunch. I still remember my plaid pants were the same color as the violets, with a solid purple shirt, and my almost white Keds sneakers. We went up into the attic where she kept her sewing basket, and I picked out what I thought was the prettiest ribbon to tie together my prescious hand-held flowers. It was a frazzled, satin off-whitish with embroidered lace around it. I knew my flowers had to be worthy enough to deserve such a royal bow. So, we had sneaked around the corner of the house to the sunny spot; that's where they grew the best. Originally, I had picked the flowers without the stems.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Emotional climax Essay

Continuing the theme of humanity and its behaviour, I believe the following events to be true to that. It is strange that in a play that revolves around its religious puritan upbringing, it also lacks a certain amount of Christian/Satanic or general imagery or symbolism. I would say that in comparison to a play such as Macbeth which relies on its disturbing imagery to convey the involvement of dark forces with the plot, The Crucible uses the reactions and actions of human beings to essentially shock the audience with as opposed to bold and obvious imagery. The preceding actions of the girls is but a taste of the weak human nature that will to some degree be the ruination of the innocents of Salem: the inert readiness to speak out against those who will miss use power and authority to a larger agenda, is the collective attitude that will allow silence to manipulate the village’s fate. The tension is released as the anger and madness dies, but the atmosphere is left with a slight air of detectable pessimism as the girls (including Mercy,) leave with no attempt to rectify with Proctor anything he may have heard or stay for Abigail’s sake- (â€Å"I’d best be off, I have Ruth to watch.†) Instead they leave apologetically and sheepishly, I quote- ‘[Mercy sidles out.]’ Now that the stage is rid of the bulk, only the strong figure of Proctor, a slightly hidden Abigail and mute Betty remain. The scope is quiet, the audience surges with anxiety, as we are now fully aware of the extent of Abigail’s character and her master schemes for both characters on stage. The stage directions quote- ‘[Abigail has stood as though on tiptoe, absorbing his presence, wide-eyed. He glances at Betty on the bed.]’ The scene is perfectly set, almost waiting for Abigail to pounce. The remainder of the scene has only dramatic effect in the two character’s direct speech and actions. It is the dramatic effect of the language in the dialogue that develops the characters for the benefit of the audience as history repeats- â€Å"You’re surely sportin’ with me.† The flirtatious attempts of Abigail do nothing but reveal the nature of their relationship. Proctor’s character is used in the first act and indeed second as a pawn, a strong male presence that conjures up history, friction and feelings between a variety of characters. In this quote, Proctor’s reply demonstrates their current familiarity, as he obviously feels his would be rude answer appropriate in her case, which suggests history and the blunt coldness of his words suggests a tainted one- â€Å"You know me better,† This is used to great dramatic effect as this quote is an example of what classes this scene a ‘complication.’ The revelations between the two characters and the audience displays I theorize that in this epitome, a play like The Crucible has numerous complications, which take the severity of the actual complication (the witch hunts,) to a higher level. For example the threat of being accused by one villager is but trivial when the accusation of attempted murder through witchcraft of which Elizabeth and Proctor are fully aware leads to trial, is brought to their knowledge. This accusation of attempted murder is one complication that mounts to a highly climatic and tragic demise. The heated and often dark references that Abigail uses are incredibly direct and delivered with a force that might suggest these are situations that are in need of persuasion. Not only the dramatic tension created by her choice of tactics, but the very level of desperation and inner naivety of the character that results in juvenile actions is incomprehensible! The confusion behind the ‘seemingly innocent’ Abigail is astounding and her unpredictability creates tension as the audience realises the precarious nature of the play when Abigail is involved. The next scene I will analyse simply overflows with emotion, brought out through the character’s ordeals. Elizabeth is featured here, wife of Proctor and the other half of an unhappy marriage. Their struggles seemed to begin and end with ‘that harlot,’ once again Abigail is at the centre of insular turmoil. Leading up to this scene, we have seen a troubled and excluded couple; as Goody Proctor â€Å"kisses him with suspicion† and keeps their future happiness with it at the root of their marriage, Proctor bites his tongue with his sins past sins upon his shoulders. This scene is one of revelation and the audience sits enthralled as even tension created for the ultimate end disappears, as the couple who obviously still have love for one another quash their insecurities and make their peace. The scene begins with this fluctuation of feelings toward one another still in tact. The atmosphere is one of grief and almost acceptance, as these accusations, deaths and confessions have continued over the past few months (since the previous scene,) and the two characters have bared gruelling witness to it all. Once again, this final appearance of Elizabeth to Proctor needs a more detailed explanation, as the stage directions take the audience through every one of their actions and therefore magnifying the importance of the revelation of this scene, ‘[Alone. Proctor walks to her, halts†¦]’ The gentle nature of Elizabeth has been taken advantage of, in order to coax proctor into a confession. Elizabeth has taken the opposite course of action and frees him from her suspicious grasp.  Elizabeth’s query, though perhaps comical when an attempt is made to read it seriously, shows her utter lack of compassion and hope through the injustices of their predicament. Lack of compassion even for her own husband, though her enquiry made is meant in a considerate context- â€Å"You have been tortured?† Elizabeth continues to answer his questions in a cold and blunt manner, (their inhibitions still remain, anticipating the arrival of the emotional climax.) Extending the theme of revelation, this is probed unintentionally by Elizabeth and her remarks, for example she says about the death of Giles Corey, â€Å"They press him John, more weight he says.† Proctor’s reply is influenced by this, the courage of Corey is taken by Proctor and used to state, â€Å"I have been thinking I would confess to them Elizabeth.† In addition, the quote of Elizabeth’s instigates she wishes him to form a course of action, which he does in the previous quote. However, her reply is not one of looming suspicion or ruled by mistrust, it overcomes those petit consciences and the character finds the will to say, â€Å"I cannot judge you John.† No matter how Proctor begs for an order, a course of action or reassurance, Elizabeth stands strong and helps him to lose his inhibitions by making his own choice. The scene finally reaches a heart-wrenching climax as Elizabeth delivers the line â€Å"Only be sure of this, for I know it now: Whatever you will do, it is a good man does it.† Whatever the finale, this is a satisfying resolution because the characters have admitted exactly what the audience almost begs them to say, the actors deliver a service of satisfaction. Perhaps the only the example of dramatic imagery is the recurring theme of winter inside the Proctor house, as opposed to the summer and heat in the midst of the Abigail/Proctor love affair. Elizabeth now admits that is was a cold attitude she had towards her husband; a shrivelled marriage that she kept, â€Å"a cold house.† Her admittance of this symbolises the last string of the old relationship broken. The dramatic effective adds to the release of tension between the characters as the entire situation diffuses. Both of the character’s fronts falter as they indulge in insular peace, paving the way for the final resolution: the turmoil between husband and wife is finally resolved, Proctor has everything to live for and the strength to do what is need to remain with family and friends- or is it? Unfortunately, the phrase ‘too good to be true’ springs to mind, and also to the audience. The scene I analysed is in theory the penultimate resolution. It fits this description perfectly, as although it is misleading -because Proctor decides not to â€Å"have his life† and confess, but die with sanctity of name- it is satisfying. Dramatic tension is built extremely subtly behind the contagious joy of peace between the Proctors, foreseeing the ultimate loss of inhibitions for John. True, the character has lost the stubbornness that kept his wife from him, but it is also true to Elizabeth’s statement that John has not forgiven himself: self confessed sinner he may be, but a proud man is John Proctor. The truth may be that even in death, let alone life would the character not forgive himself for his sins with Abigail. His martyrdom was the release of self-hatred through a noble stand; he held onto the only thing that in his opinion was not tainted, his name. The Crucible recurs the theme of boundaries and limits, with such things as physical limits including the obsession with land, exclusive living (within colonies,) and with names. Proctor’s boundary was infact the preservation of his name, that is the only earthly piece of self he would not let go of- the only piece of self he realistically had left. This is a truly effective resolution, as the main character is finally at rest: Miller is no hero for surviving the courts, but his duty to society is done, his warning and message still survives fifty years on.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Theseus and the Minotaur and the Hunger Games

Throughout countless novels society remains a common theme. Societal structure greatly reflects upon the composure of the plot, as well as the characters. In the novel The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Collins creates an alternate society which is completely controlled by their government, the Capitol. The Hunger Games is reminiscent of the Greek myth, Theseus and the Minotaur. They both share the idea of a society supervised thoroughly by the government, and the idea of a method of rebelling against higher powers.Collins uses the literary device of allusion to reference her literary work of The Hunger Games to characters and themes found in Theseus and the Minotaur. The Hunger Games and Theseus and the Minotaur both express the themes of sacrifice, oppression, government control, and survival through characterization and allegory. The characters of Katniss Everdeen and Prince Theseus of Athens both illustrate what it takes to sacrifice one’s self for others.They both have incredible incentives towards their decision of â€Å"volunteering as tribute,† yet they have different motives regarding who or what they made their choices for. From the beginning of The Hunger Games, it’s clear Katniss has a true connection to her younger sister, Prim, and genuinely cares for her. â€Å"How could I leave Prim, who is the only person in the world I’m certain I love? † (Collins, 10) Katniss implies that in all matters, she’ll always be there for Prim, who is eventually her motivation for volunteering as tribute for her.In Theseus and the Minotaur, Theseus volunteers to end King Minos’s viscous and never ending cycle of tributes sent to fight the minotaur, but are defeated and killed. What Katniss and Theseus have in the common is that they’re both volunteering so others don’t have to suffer. Katniss is sacrificing herself for her family, and Theseus for his country’s bravery. They both have strong motiv es and something they believe in which is what it takes for someone to sacrifice themselves if it betters their cause.The Capitol and King Minos have total control over Panem and Ancient Greece. They both make it almost impossible to rebel against them or else they will threaten war, in which the other sides have no chance of winning. The Capitol keeps control of Panem by providing food and entertainment. King Minos keeps control by threatening war and also by providing food and entertainment. The Capitol in The Hunger Games and King Minos in Theses and the Minotaur put their regions under complete government oppression. They both prevent war by reminding their societies of the cost of war.Theseus and Katniss both have cunning tactics of defeating either the minotaur, or other tributes. Katniss is an extremely strong hunter which helps her with survival in the hunger games. She can climb trees and can hid herself extraordinarily well from enemies. Theseus wins with his smart thinkin g and problem solving. They both have help from a â€Å"love interest† in which case it’s Peeta for Katniss, and King Minos’s daughter for Theseus. Katniss is originally uncomfortable accepting help from others, but as the novel progresses, she has to accept help if she wants to win.Theseus rather than Katniss takes help from King Minos’s daughter immediately, using any kind of resource he can to defeat the minotaur. Often writers take ideas and conceptions from other pieces of literary work and incorporate it in their own work. This is shown in The Hunger Games with the Greek myth Theseus and the Minotaur. Collins takes Theseus and the Minotaur and incorporates it into the future. If majority of ideas and thoughts all come from other sources, who originally thought those thoughts? The world may never know.