The International Relations Review - Winter 2012
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Transcript of The International Relations Review - Winter 2012
Exclusive Interview: Venezuelan Opposition Leader Henrique Capriles and His Plan for the Nation
Greece’s Financial Crisis and its Implications for the International Community
Building the Next Financial Bubble: A Look into the Real Estate
Market in China
Winter 2012 1
GRACIELA MARIÑO, COM ’15
Index
3
7 The Power of Investment
powerful forces in an attempt to control the
9China’s PRC Core Residential Real Estate Market
as wealthy families invest in the material wealth of houses rather than the unknown
17
could hypothetically affect the European continent
5
Henrique Capriles: A Contender’s VisionIn this exclusive feature, IRR sta! writer Graciela Mariño interviewed Henrique Capriles Radonski, who commented on his campaign goals and the future he envisions for Venezuela. Page 12
19
23
recently announced
the mainstream media characterized the union
attempt to recover after
12Radonski was chosen as the opposition’s unity candidate to face Chavez on the
“Primero Justicia” leader and current
has killed thousands of his own citizens who have
Winter 2012 1
GRACIELA MARIÑO, COM ’15
Index
3
7 The Power of Investment
powerful forces in an attempt to control the
9China’s PRC Core Residential Real Estate Market
as wealthy families invest in the material wealth of houses rather than the unknown
17
could hypothetically affect the European continent
5
Henrique Capriles: A Contender’s VisionIn this exclusive feature, IRR sta! writer Graciela Mariño interviewed Henrique Capriles Radonski, who commented on his campaign goals and the future he envisions for Venezuela. Page 12
19
23
recently announced
the mainstream media characterized the union
attempt to recover after
12Radonski was chosen as the opposition’s unity candidate to face Chavez on the
“Primero Justicia” leader and current
has killed thousands of his own citizens who have
Winter 2012 3
A bill proposing that ‘serial homosexuals,’ minors, HIV-positive or disabled people engaging in “homoexual behavior” be punishable by death continues to be
Same-sex relationships are
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Meshaal to create an interim unity
Palestine
During a protest against the
Guinea
to retaliate against South Sudanese rebels
the attack in the disputed, oil-rich Jau area
Sudanese and South Sudanese governments
South Sudan became independent
Falklands War approaches, Argentina
is still trying to hold the islands as a
Falkland Islands
putting the Central Intelligence Agency
Investigation in January, as they discussed
hacking attacks against many international
their latest budget cuts, but demanded to
Greece
The IRR blog is a platform for BU students to voice their opinions on the issues that a!ect our world
today.
Check out our latest blog posts, and give us your take!
www.buiaa.org/ir-review
Join the debate
Mills told the court in December
Italy
Winter 2012 3
A bill proposing that ‘serial homosexuals,’ minors, HIV-positive or disabled people engaging in “homoexual behavior” be punishable by death continues to be
Same-sex relationships are
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Meshaal to create an interim unity
Palestine
During a protest against the
Guinea
to retaliate against South Sudanese rebels
the attack in the disputed, oil-rich Jau area
Sudanese and South Sudanese governments
South Sudan became independent
Falklands War approaches, Argentina
is still trying to hold the islands as a
Falkland Islands
putting the Central Intelligence Agency
Investigation in January, as they discussed
hacking attacks against many international
their latest budget cuts, but demanded to
Greece
The IRR blog is a platform for BU students to voice their opinions on the issues that a!ect our world
today.
Check out our latest blog posts, and give us your take!
www.buiaa.org/ir-review
Join the debate
Mills told the court in December
Italy
Winter 20124
elections, to protest alleged government
percent voting rate, the election results raised suspicions about Prime Minister
led people to believe the party presented
1
national corruption has called into question
democratic action is unlikely to happen, as the president can use institutional measures
For many, this is an inherent
authoritarian regimes, democracy cannot
3
qualities that may hinder the development
little economic development, a large polity, heterogeneity, political culture, religious
4
For many international relations
system soon “backslid” into autocracy, a
corruption that goes unchecked
history, constitutional structure and
resource availability cannot be altered, and
International relations theory also
is taking action to secure the democratic
role, besides the agreement that they play
democratic change in government is most
PHOTO CREDIT: SOFIYA MAHDI, CAS ’14Partial view of the Kremlin in Moscow. Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1990, the Kremlin became a landmark of Russian strength and autocracy after the 1917 Revolution when the government was transferred from St. Petersburg to the Kremlin in Moscow.
PHOTO CREDIT: HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’14Europe’s highest-reaching railway system in Switzerland travels up to 3,454 meters above sea level, taking passengers to the Jungfrau ski region. People can board the train from Interlaken, Grindelwald and Wengen.
Winter 20124
elections, to protest alleged government
percent voting rate, the election results raised suspicions about Prime Minister
led people to believe the party presented
1
national corruption has called into question
democratic action is unlikely to happen, as the president can use institutional measures
For many, this is an inherent
authoritarian regimes, democracy cannot
3
qualities that may hinder the development
little economic development, a large polity, heterogeneity, political culture, religious
4
For many international relations
system soon “backslid” into autocracy, a
corruption that goes unchecked
history, constitutional structure and
resource availability cannot be altered, and
International relations theory also
is taking action to secure the democratic
role, besides the agreement that they play
democratic change in government is most
PHOTO CREDIT: SOFIYA MAHDI, CAS ’14Partial view of the Kremlin in Moscow. Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1990, the Kremlin became a landmark of Russian strength and autocracy after the 1917 Revolution when the government was transferred from St. Petersburg to the Kremlin in Moscow.
PHOTO CREDIT: HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’14Europe’s highest-reaching railway system in Switzerland travels up to 3,454 meters above sea level, taking passengers to the Jungfrau ski region. People can board the train from Interlaken, Grindelwald and Wengen.
Winter 2012
many international relations theorists argue that the population is not even capable
democracy to develop there must be
11
should be an immediate and sharp break
political polarization among citizens
democracy is supposed to be—they are not
party, but against everything the party
Despite all reason and rationality
becoming politically active in opposition
publicly challenging Putin, mocking
13can lead to popular discontent, indicating
overcome its past, encouraging the people to bring about political participation the
theory is not so deterministic, especially in
14 It
that social and economic development go
in developing nations gain access to these opportunities, social progress inevitably
global economic crisis, this has not
A crucial resource has been hiding
It is about time that the value
sector acts as the investor and the population
the more developed a nation is, the smaller
less developed a nation is, the greater the
the return on investment than investing in
Similarly, an investment in a
not earn nearly as much revenue as an
the previously impossible transportation
The Power of InvestmentPHOTO CREDIT: ALESSANDRA HARTKOPF, CAS ’12
“Russia’s history does not have to
determine its future. The outbreak of
protests in Russia proves that perhaps
theory should not be so deterministic.”
All citations for articles in the winter 2012 issue of the International Relations Review can be found online. Visit the Boston University International Affairs Association website at buiaa.org/ir-review/ to access the bibliographical information.
PHOTO CREDIT: SOFIYA MAHDI, CAS ’14 St. Basil Cathedral in Moscow. As a symbol of native history and culture for the Russian public, this cathedral and other monuments in Moscow stand in sharp contrast with the new wave of political uncertainty that surrounds the current administration.
Winter 2012
many international relations theorists argue that the population is not even capable
democracy to develop there must be
11
should be an immediate and sharp break
political polarization among citizens
democracy is supposed to be—they are not
party, but against everything the party
Despite all reason and rationality
becoming politically active in opposition
publicly challenging Putin, mocking
13can lead to popular discontent, indicating
overcome its past, encouraging the people to bring about political participation the
theory is not so deterministic, especially in
14 It
that social and economic development go
in developing nations gain access to these opportunities, social progress inevitably
global economic crisis, this has not
A crucial resource has been hiding
It is about time that the value
sector acts as the investor and the population
the more developed a nation is, the smaller
less developed a nation is, the greater the
the return on investment than investing in
Similarly, an investment in a
not earn nearly as much revenue as an
the previously impossible transportation
The Power of InvestmentPHOTO CREDIT: ALESSANDRA HARTKOPF, CAS ’12
“Russia’s history does not have to
determine its future. The outbreak of
protests in Russia proves that perhaps
theory should not be so deterministic.”
All citations for articles in the winter 2012 issue of the International Relations Review can be found online. Visit the Boston University International Affairs Association website at buiaa.org/ir-review/ to access the bibliographical information.
PHOTO CREDIT: SOFIYA MAHDI, CAS ’14 St. Basil Cathedral in Moscow. As a symbol of native history and culture for the Russian public, this cathedral and other monuments in Moscow stand in sharp contrast with the new wave of political uncertainty that surrounds the current administration.
Winter 2012
PHOTO CREDIT: AMRITA SINGH, CAS ’15 Above: children in Ghana play outside of their school. Below: young girl walks down path carrying materials. One of the most important resources a country can use for its development is human capital. By investing in sectors such as education, Ghana is getting ahead in the race toward economic development.
As the housing market declines,
in emerging markets due to the crucial link
1 Shanghai’s real estate market is
China recently experienced a paradigm
threat to the Chinese Communist Party’s
social instability, the Chinese government
China’s PRC Core Residential Real Estate Market
PHOTO CREDIT: MOLLY MASTERSON, CAS ’13 View of the coastal Chinese megacity of Shanghai, one of the fastest growing metropolises in the last two decades and the most populous city in the world.
bailout culture, an underlying issue that
business-savvy Chinese to place their
appreciation value and serves as a hedge
are transacted in cash, given China’s high
government to enact strict polices to curb
markets increases pressure on the
maintaining social order than on economic
Maintaining social order is an
3
prices surpassing average income, there is a
For example, the average price per square
avoiding a crash, so the upper class does
One solution is to increase supply
regulating supply and buying habits in the
rural uprisings, but the “nail house” concept
4
materialistic areas, such as Shanghai,
developing nations, and the result has been a six-percent increase in enrollment in
skills to create the tools necessary to escape
has doubled since its independence in
establish a monumental garment industry
End of Poverty describes this investment as the
investment lies in the Women’s Mango
paid to the producer has also increased
“The world will rise out
of poverty by investing in
people.”
that—goals;; they are numbers and nongovernmental—to come together and address problems, brainstorm solutions,
Winter 2012
PHOTO CREDIT: AMRITA SINGH, CAS ’15 Above: children in Ghana play outside of their school. Below: young girl walks down path carrying materials. One of the most important resources a country can use for its development is human capital. By investing in sectors such as education, Ghana is getting ahead in the race toward economic development.
As the housing market declines,
in emerging markets due to the crucial link
1 Shanghai’s real estate market is
China recently experienced a paradigm
threat to the Chinese Communist Party’s
social instability, the Chinese government
China’s PRC Core Residential Real Estate Market
PHOTO CREDIT: MOLLY MASTERSON, CAS ’13 View of the coastal Chinese megacity of Shanghai, one of the fastest growing metropolises in the last two decades and the most populous city in the world.
bailout culture, an underlying issue that
business-savvy Chinese to place their
appreciation value and serves as a hedge
are transacted in cash, given China’s high
government to enact strict polices to curb
markets increases pressure on the
maintaining social order than on economic
Maintaining social order is an
3
prices surpassing average income, there is a
For example, the average price per square
avoiding a crash, so the upper class does
One solution is to increase supply
regulating supply and buying habits in the
rural uprisings, but the “nail house” concept
4
materialistic areas, such as Shanghai,
developing nations, and the result has been a six-percent increase in enrollment in
skills to create the tools necessary to escape
has doubled since its independence in
establish a monumental garment industry
End of Poverty describes this investment as the
investment lies in the Women’s Mango
paid to the producer has also increased
“The world will rise out
of poverty by investing in
people.”
that—goals;; they are numbers and nongovernmental—to come together and address problems, brainstorm solutions,
Winter 2012 11
PHOTO CREDIT: MOLLY MASTERSON, CAS ’13Street views of Shanghai. In a city of over 23 million inhabitants, where owning property has be-come a new form to acquire social status and security, a bubble in the real estate market could be disastrous.
PHOTO CREDIT: MOLLY MASTERSON, CAS ’13
China’s unusually high national savings
lending practices developed, leading to
may be other political motives behind
Investment in real estate through China’s banking system is tied to speculation as many buyers are not the end users, but
buy distorts the entire housing and retail
It is purely short-run market speculation
large scale are meant to be lived in -- not
not translate into practical use, except as
China, given that there are no high-grade
regulation, the Chinese government is
In the past, the government tried to
homes, rather than outsiders purchasing
Moreover, the government also enacted
multiple houses by individuals to curb
emphasis on maintaining order, acting under the assumption that short-term economic hindrance is better than long-
Chinese buyers have also been actively
11
this regulation, the government hopes to
China’s high savings rate and
reducing property prices through regulation
On paper, there seems to be a
hope China has the means and the political
Winter 2012 11
PHOTO CREDIT: MOLLY MASTERSON, CAS ’13Street views of Shanghai. In a city of over 23 million inhabitants, where owning property has be-come a new form to acquire social status and security, a bubble in the real estate market could be disastrous.
PHOTO CREDIT: MOLLY MASTERSON, CAS ’13
China’s unusually high national savings
lending practices developed, leading to
may be other political motives behind
Investment in real estate through China’s banking system is tied to speculation as many buyers are not the end users, but
buy distorts the entire housing and retail
It is purely short-run market speculation
large scale are meant to be lived in -- not
not translate into practical use, except as
China, given that there are no high-grade
regulation, the Chinese government is
In the past, the government tried to
homes, rather than outsiders purchasing
Moreover, the government also enacted
multiple houses by individuals to curb
emphasis on maintaining order, acting under the assumption that short-term economic hindrance is better than long-
Chinese buyers have also been actively
11
this regulation, the government hopes to
China’s high savings rate and
reducing property prices through regulation
On paper, there seems to be a
hope China has the means and the political
Aeconomic deterioration, rising crime rates and increasing poverty, Venezuelans may have
President Hugo Chávez and the
democratic unity, is campaigning
competed against several political
Miranda and arguably the most
at no surprise, the voter turnout
accordinag to statistics provided by the Venezuelan electoral
translate into a larger turnout
more than six months remaining
violence, corruption, impunity
restructure the institution and PHOTO CREDIT: HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’12Plaza Altamira, located in the Chacao district of Caracas. In the past, this plaza has served as a hub for political demonstrations for both the Chavistas and opposition. In 2002, three citizens were massacred while protesting against Hugo Chavez, and, in 2004, an opposition protester was shot down by government supporters while protesting the presidential referendum results.
Winter 2012 13
Aeconomic deterioration, rising crime rates and increasing poverty, Venezuelans may have
President Hugo Chávez and the
democratic unity, is campaigning
competed against several political
Miranda and arguably the most
at no surprise, the voter turnout
accordinag to statistics provided by the Venezuelan electoral
translate into a larger turnout
more than six months remaining
violence, corruption, impunity
restructure the institution and PHOTO CREDIT: HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’12Plaza Altamira, located in the Chacao district of Caracas. In the past, this plaza has served as a hub for political demonstrations for both the Chavistas and opposition. In 2002, three citizens were massacred while protesting against Hugo Chavez, and, in 2004, an opposition protester was shot down by government supporters while protesting the presidential referendum results.
Winter 2012 13
IRReview: Venezuela is living through
supporting the Chavista government and
reconcile the country? Capriles: Venezuela needs a President
Our current government in Miranda is
IRReview:
Public and private schools are lacking
the trained personnel and technology to
education system in Venezuela?
Caprilescontemplates substantially increasing the
education to college-level education;; and
IRReview: Currently, criminal violence is
in the short and long run?
Caprilesis to protect and guarantee the right to
measures that can be taken, both in the
lost bullets, or any procedural delays that
into consideration the particular realities
involving every responsible institution in
14
To the right: Petroleums De Venezuela headquarters displays a banner of incumbent Hugo Chavez, which reads in Spanish “Move forward, commander.” The banner is meant to show the company’s support for Chavez as he battles cancer. This exempli"es the state’s use of public resources to promote Chavez’s candidacy, which is the largest challenge Capriles faces in the election. PHOTO CREDIT/HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’12
IRReview: Venezuela is living through
supporting the Chavista government and
reconcile the country? Capriles: Venezuela needs a President
Our current government in Miranda is
IRReview:
Public and private schools are lacking
the trained personnel and technology to
education system in Venezuela?
Caprilescontemplates substantially increasing the
education to college-level education;; and
IRReview: Currently, criminal violence is
in the short and long run?
Caprilesis to protect and guarantee the right to
measures that can be taken, both in the
lost bullets, or any procedural delays that
into consideration the particular realities
involving every responsible institution in
14
To the right: Petroleums De Venezuela headquarters displays a banner of incumbent Hugo Chavez, which reads in Spanish “Move forward, commander.” The banner is meant to show the company’s support for Chavez as he battles cancer. This exempli!es the state’s use of public resources to promote Chavez’s candidacy, which is the largest challenge Capriles faces in the election. PHOTO CREDIT/HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’12
Winter 2012
to intervene in Syria continues to linger
to ensure that their voices are heard, Assad claims his government is merely crushing armed gangs supported by the
government rallies by compensating
outlandish statements such as his insistence
by opposition Syrians that Assad is indeed
international institutions put in place to
to-protect principle can bring the brutal
these principles, it is necessary that China
addressing countries that violate
rights, is crucial in ensuring that the human
and the international community should
United States needs to pressure Syria to
addition, organizations such as Amnesty
should be permitted into the country to
pro-democracy protesters by the Syrian
has been the regime's strategic ally since
serving as its bridgehead in the eastern 1
Since the Iran-Syrian alliance is strong, the United States needs strategic
American diplomats must interact closely
that potential actions taken in Syria are multilateral rather than unilateral, its goals
message to other autocratic regimes in
August 2011After months of protests and military backlash, U.S. President Barack Obama and allies call for Syrian President Assad to step down.
Russia and China veto the U.N. resolution condemning Syria. Meanwhile, internal and exiled opposition activists form Syrian National Council.
October 2011
November 2011Army defectors target a military base near Damascus in what is considered the Free Syrian Army’s most high-pro"le attack since the start of protests. Government supporters attack foreign embassies.
The uprising’s death toll exceeds 5,000. In addition, two suicide bombs outside security buildings in Damascus kill 44 people. The opposition suspects the government.
Arab League o#cials arrive as part of Assad’s agreement to allow the organization monitor Syria. Thousands of protesters gather in Homs to greet them.
December 2011
January 2012A suicide bomber kills 26 in Damascus, to which the government responds by claiming an “iron "st” approach. The Arab League suspends its monitoring after violence increases.
February 2012Russia and China block a U.N. Security Council draft resolution on Syria, as the government increases bombing of Homs and other cities.
Steps toward Intervention in Syria
IRReview: Most problems that Venezuela
Capriles:
road to achieving progress in our country is having a good education system at
IRReview
the United States and Venezuela has
you implement to improve this bilateral relationship? CaprilesVenezuela and other countries must
highly dependent on oil production, to
Venezuelan presidential election online at
PHOTO CREDIT: HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’12The national headquarters of Capriles’s campaign, known as the Comando Tricolor (the tri-color command). This building houses representatives from all of the opposition parties involved in the MUD.
Winter 2012
to intervene in Syria continues to linger
to ensure that their voices are heard, Assad claims his government is merely crushing armed gangs supported by the
government rallies by compensating
outlandish statements such as his insistence
by opposition Syrians that Assad is indeed
international institutions put in place to
to-protect principle can bring the brutal
these principles, it is necessary that China
addressing countries that violate
rights, is crucial in ensuring that the human
and the international community should
United States needs to pressure Syria to
addition, organizations such as Amnesty
should be permitted into the country to
pro-democracy protesters by the Syrian
has been the regime's strategic ally since
serving as its bridgehead in the eastern 1
Since the Iran-Syrian alliance is strong, the United States needs strategic
American diplomats must interact closely
that potential actions taken in Syria are multilateral rather than unilateral, its goals
message to other autocratic regimes in
August 2011After months of protests and military backlash, U.S. President Barack Obama and allies call for Syrian President Assad to step down.
Russia and China veto the U.N. resolution condemning Syria. Meanwhile, internal and exiled opposition activists form Syrian National Council.
October 2011
November 2011Army defectors target a military base near Damascus in what is considered the Free Syrian Army’s most high-pro!le attack since the start of protests. Government supporters attack foreign embassies.
The uprising’s death toll exceeds 5,000. In addition, two suicide bombs outside security buildings in Damascus kill 44 people. The opposition suspects the government.
Arab League o"cials arrive as part of Assad’s agreement to allow the organization monitor Syria. Thousands of protesters gather in Homs to greet them.
December 2011
January 2012A suicide bomber kills 26 in Damascus, to which the government responds by claiming an “iron !st” approach. The Arab League suspends its monitoring after violence increases.
February 2012Russia and China block a U.N. Security Council draft resolution on Syria, as the government increases bombing of Homs and other cities.
Steps toward Intervention in Syria
IRReview: Most problems that Venezuela
Capriles:
road to achieving progress in our country is having a good education system at
IRReview
the United States and Venezuela has
you implement to improve this bilateral relationship? CaprilesVenezuela and other countries must
highly dependent on oil production, to
Venezuelan presidential election online at
PHOTO CREDIT: HELENA CARPIO, CGS ’12The national headquarters of Capriles’s campaign, known as the Comando Tricolor (the tri-color command). This building houses representatives from all of the opposition parties involved in the MUD.
is in the United States’ interest to convince both countries that Assad is not to be trusted
an encroachment on its traditional sphere
established military ties to Damascus have
3
understand that in this particular situation, economic considerations should be ignored because innocent civilians are being killed
market, there has not been enough done to
must be severely restricted and Syria’s central bank should not be given access to
that some damage has been done to the economy but not to the overall aid count,
4
members must recognize that this practice
to these situations, the international community agreed to protect citizens’
Syria, the international community needs to recognize that any steps taken to stop
“If the United States and other members of the United Nations construct a well-planned humanitarian mission to help the oppressed in Syria, the
nation’s people will recognize it as a form of assistance rather than a violation of their sovereignty.”
that humanitarian intervention could prove
peacekeepers may be required to stabilize
miserably, multilateral humanitarian action
like Slobodan Milosevic demonstrate
humanitarian mission to help the oppressed
the Syrian people but also to set an example
strict economic sanctions that immediately cripple the accused regime and ensure
It is evident that action in Syria
guarantee this, multilateral actions are essential to end crimes against humanity
are taken to intervene and the international community provides support, problems
Winter 2012
1 Despite
nations, some members have not properly
problem nation in the union has been
adopted, its loan and bond rates declined
bailout packages, austerity measures and
3
4
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW REITMAN, CAS ’13 The Greek $ag has symbolized the birth of Western civilization. It now waves in an air of uncertainty, as the economic future of Greece remains uncertain.
is in the United States’ interest to convince both countries that Assad is not to be trusted
an encroachment on its traditional sphere
established military ties to Damascus have
3
understand that in this particular situation, economic considerations should be ignored because innocent civilians are being killed
market, there has not been enough done to
must be severely restricted and Syria’s central bank should not be given access to
that some damage has been done to the economy but not to the overall aid count,
4
members must recognize that this practice
to these situations, the international community agreed to protect citizens’
Syria, the international community needs to recognize that any steps taken to stop
“If the United States and other members of the United Nations construct a well-planned humanitarian mission to help the oppressed in Syria, the
nation’s people will recognize it as a form of assistance rather than a violation of their sovereignty.”
that humanitarian intervention could prove
peacekeepers may be required to stabilize
miserably, multilateral humanitarian action
like Slobodan Milosevic demonstrate
humanitarian mission to help the oppressed
the Syrian people but also to set an example
strict economic sanctions that immediately cripple the accused regime and ensure
It is evident that action in Syria
guarantee this, multilateral actions are essential to end crimes against humanity
are taken to intervene and the international community provides support, problems
Winter 2012
1 Despite
nations, some members have not properly
problem nation in the union has been
adopted, its loan and bond rates declined
bailout packages, austerity measures and
3
4
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW REITMAN, CAS ’13 The Greek !ag has symbolized the birth of Western civilization. It now waves in an air of uncertainty, as the economic future of Greece remains uncertain.
other countries incentives to invest in
incentive, the other countries may be
On a
in debt, as the increase in cost could make
provide a concrete example and precedent
According to
11
strong economy, proving the risk involved
that have investments in its economy, as it
the international community, especially
States are inclined to help individuals act
should have led to the maximization
the country's debt increased revealing the
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW REITMAN, CAS ’13
in markets on an international level,
liberalism that all decisions made must be
theory to guide its behavior as a state
rely on the theory economic globalization
13
economic regionalism because it has
eliminated traditional trade barriers such
that there are problems to such regional
this hinders its ability to repay its debts,
14 Such
the international economic community
economy, it could succeed or it could
“Greece’s departure would hurt the EU’s in$uence
and reputation as a powerful force
in the eyes of the international
community.”
Winter 2012
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW REITMAN, CAS ’13
other countries incentives to invest in
incentive, the other countries may be
On a
in debt, as the increase in cost could make
provide a concrete example and precedent
According to
11
strong economy, proving the risk involved
that have investments in its economy, as it
the international community, especially
States are inclined to help individuals act
should have led to the maximization
the country's debt increased revealing the
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW REITMAN, CAS ’13
in markets on an international level,
liberalism that all decisions made must be
theory to guide its behavior as a state
rely on the theory economic globalization
13
economic regionalism because it has
eliminated traditional trade barriers such
that there are problems to such regional
this hinders its ability to repay its debts,
14 Such
the international economic community
economy, it could succeed or it could
“Greece’s departure would hurt the EU’s in!uence
and reputation as a powerful force
in the eyes of the international
community.”
Winter 2012
PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW REITMAN, CAS ’13
Winter 2012
Staff Editorial:
Al-Qaeda, a global terrorist network, announced on Feb. 10 in a video released to the public that it had added more than 14,000 new troops by merging with Harakat al-Shabab al-Mujahideen, more commonly known as al-Shabab. !e video featured al-Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri. He stated, “I give you good news today that will make the faithful happy and the Crusaders cringe: al Shabab in Somalia has joined al Qaeda,” ABC news reported. Al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane responded to this announcement, by “pledging obedience” to his leadership. Al-Shabab, a Somalia-based terrorist group, controls most southern and central areas of Somalia. !e organization faced pressure from African Union troops concerning their supposed claims to territory within Somalia, resulting in the organization joining forces with al-Qaeda. Another probable cause for the merge was Kenya and Ethiopia’s attempts to push back Islamists in the short term by sending aid and forces into Somalia along the Kenyan and Ethiopian borders. Al-Shabab’s decline in resources gave them another incentive to make this move, as members have not received any "nancial aid or support from other nations or organizations. A number of Somali citizens marched through Mogadishu on Feb. 15 in
response to the terrorist union. “Al-Qaeda should stop meddling with Somalia's a#airs and leave our country," protestor Suleiman Mumin said to African news source Magharebia. Mumin stated Somalia is ready to "ght back against “al-Qaeda and al-Shabab’s 'no to life' in Somalia.” Somali Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, president of Somalia, also announced to the protestors that people residing in the country no longer tolerate al-Qaeda’s violence. !ese citizen-organized protests were a glimpse of hope for the infamous “failed-state” that has struggled to unite. Mainstream media outlets such as BBC, ABC and !e Telegraph, have shed light on the importance of al-Qaeda in"ltrating deeper into the African continent. However, multiple African and Middle-Eastern news sources conveyed that al-Qaeda’s presence in the region is nothing new. !ese sources reported that al-Qaeda and al-Shabab have been historically tied and that the recent merge announcement seemed like a clever ploy to get a weakened al-Qaeda back into the headlines. Despite what major news outlets have expressed, the announcement may be nothing more than a desperate act to make al-Qaeda appear more relevant in the global arena. Al-Qaeda’s leadership has died down since Osama bin Laden’s demise last May. With Syria and the Arab spring dominating
recent news coverage in the Middle East and Africa, there has been little room for al-Qaeda to stir fear. !e publicity stunt may have gotten the press members wanted, but it has not gained the same attention it did in previous years. !at, if anything, should prove the weakness of the organization. Al-Qaeda’s support from international allies also declined. BBC reported that Hamas and Hezbollah, have begun sever ties with al-Qaeda. As a result of the decrease in leadership and media exposure, there has also been a corresponding decrease in militancy. By forming an alliance with al-Shabab, al-Qaeda has not only increased its militant base, but also gained much-needed media attention. !e Western world’s concerns involving terrorism may have prevented the media from identifying the merge as a strategic response to low numbers, rather than a sign of growth. Nevertheless, al-Qaeda’s next step remains unclear, as does its future. As the mainstream media continues to highlight the signi"cance of this recent merge, it is now essential to analyze the motives behind this recent alliance. Perhaps they might re$ect al-Qaeda’s search for a boost in its morale or an increase in its exposure. As of today, the e#ects this alliance will have on Somalis or al-Shabab occupied territories remains uncertain.
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Winter 2012
Staff Editorial:
Al-Qaeda, a global terrorist network, announced on Feb. 10 in a video released to the public that it had added more than 14,000 new troops by merging with Harakat al-Shabab al-Mujahideen, more commonly known as al-Shabab. !e video featured al-Qaeda leader Ayman al Zawahiri. He stated, “I give you good news today that will make the faithful happy and the Crusaders cringe: al Shabab in Somalia has joined al Qaeda,” ABC news reported. Al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane responded to this announcement, by “pledging obedience” to his leadership. Al-Shabab, a Somalia-based terrorist group, controls most southern and central areas of Somalia. !e organization faced pressure from African Union troops concerning their supposed claims to territory within Somalia, resulting in the organization joining forces with al-Qaeda. Another probable cause for the merge was Kenya and Ethiopia’s attempts to push back Islamists in the short term by sending aid and forces into Somalia along the Kenyan and Ethiopian borders. Al-Shabab’s decline in resources gave them another incentive to make this move, as members have not received any "nancial aid or support from other nations or organizations. A number of Somali citizens marched through Mogadishu on Feb. 15 in
response to the terrorist union. “Al-Qaeda should stop meddling with Somalia's a#airs and leave our country," protestor Suleiman Mumin said to African news source Magharebia. Mumin stated Somalia is ready to "ght back against “al-Qaeda and al-Shabab’s 'no to life' in Somalia.” Somali Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, president of Somalia, also announced to the protestors that people residing in the country no longer tolerate al-Qaeda’s violence. !ese citizen-organized protests were a glimpse of hope for the infamous “failed-state” that has struggled to unite. Mainstream media outlets such as BBC, ABC and !e Telegraph, have shed light on the importance of al-Qaeda in"ltrating deeper into the African continent. However, multiple African and Middle-Eastern news sources conveyed that al-Qaeda’s presence in the region is nothing new. !ese sources reported that al-Qaeda and al-Shabab have been historically tied and that the recent merge announcement seemed like a clever ploy to get a weakened al-Qaeda back into the headlines. Despite what major news outlets have expressed, the announcement may be nothing more than a desperate act to make al-Qaeda appear more relevant in the global arena. Al-Qaeda’s leadership has died down since Osama bin Laden’s demise last May. With Syria and the Arab spring dominating
recent news coverage in the Middle East and Africa, there has been little room for al-Qaeda to stir fear. !e publicity stunt may have gotten the press members wanted, but it has not gained the same attention it did in previous years. !at, if anything, should prove the weakness of the organization. Al-Qaeda’s support from international allies also declined. BBC reported that Hamas and Hezbollah, have begun sever ties with al-Qaeda. As a result of the decrease in leadership and media exposure, there has also been a corresponding decrease in militancy. By forming an alliance with al-Shabab, al-Qaeda has not only increased its militant base, but also gained much-needed media attention. !e Western world’s concerns involving terrorism may have prevented the media from identifying the merge as a strategic response to low numbers, rather than a sign of growth. Nevertheless, al-Qaeda’s next step remains unclear, as does its future. As the mainstream media continues to highlight the signi"cance of this recent merge, it is now essential to analyze the motives behind this recent alliance. Perhaps they might re$ect al-Qaeda’s search for a boost in its morale or an increase in its exposure. As of today, the e#ects this alliance will have on Somalis or al-Shabab occupied territories remains uncertain.
Letter to the editor
Voice your opinions Submit a
Send to [email protected]
!e International Relations Review
Volume III, Issue I
The International Relations Review
Amrita Singh, Ad Manager CAS ’14
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is an international relations magazine serving the undergraduate students at
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!e International Relations Review
Volume III, Issue I
The International Relations Review
Amrita Singh, Ad Manager CAS ’14
a subsidiary
is an international relations magazine serving the undergraduate students at
but not limited to globalization, international security, human rights,
images in the publication are processed
editorial board also handles external
relations, marketing, advertising and
Colophon
Have a critique you’re itching to point out? Want to voice your opinion?
anonymously, unless there is a clear
Any questions about letters
Letters to the Editor
reli
gion g
loba
lizat
ion n
ationalism foreign interventionism state sovereignty public health energy political activism h
um
an r
igh
ts terr
or
ism so
cial m
edia eco
no
mic d
evelopment carbon footprint politicial activism diplomacy warfare embargoes
culture
fr
ee t
rade
co
mm
unit
y m
ilit
ary
infl
uen
ce
wo
rld
ban
k d
evel
opm
ent
go
als
ener
gy
clas
s diff
eren
ces m
ilitary influence theocracy public opinion national identity border dispute n
ego
tiation
sustain
able develo
pmen
t glo
bal markets pan
dem
ics natural resources sanctions technology bureaucracy social equity U
nited N
atio
ns so
cial
med
ia f
ore
ign
po
lic
y g
ove
rn
anc
e c
ivil
un
res
t
publ
ic h
ealt
h N
ews
INT
ERN
ATIO
NA
L
RELATIONS
REVIEWglobal
news
thoroughanalysis
studentopinion
Connect with IR enthusiasts at Boston University. The IR Review circulates among the more than 1,200 students in international relations, along with those in anthropology, economics,political science, environmentalpolicy and journalism, all part of a young, scholarly audience.
For more information about advertising opportunities, contact the IR Review at [email protected]
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This issue’s cover shot by Molly Masterson.Taken in Shanghai, China.