Papers Flashcards
What Does it Mean to Be an “American”? By Michael Walzer
From class:
• Institutional federal model
• Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia -> origin of federalism
o Based on a problem of navigation on “common” rivers of original colonies
• Everyone can use the river, but nobody can claim it its own territory
• Surrendering a part of own sovereignty in order to cooperate with others - to make problems easier
• New creation
o Supranationalism
o Federal vs. “State” powers -> foreign policy, defence, currency, political economy (=trade)
• Federal authority given power over these vital, common areas
• Completely new invention ( lessens the impact of Westphalian system of State jurisdiction)
• Diminishing the chance of war between friendly countries
o Double citizenship
• A basis for a whole US identity -> patriotism (= won’t speak of a nationalism as in Europe)
• Common patriotic heritage -> “United States of America “
• Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man (1791)- a concord of colonies in America least expected-> Made up as it is of people from different nations, habits, languages, modes of worship
• Poeple of the American “Union” felt some difficulty to “think federal”, preferring to “think American”.
Paper:
Complexities and contradictions of American identity. Walzer argues that American identity is not a fixed, timeless essence but rather a constantly evolving and contested set of ideas and values.
One of Walzer’s main ideas is that American identity is rooted in a set of political principles and practices, rather than ethnicity or ancestry. He argues that the American political tradition emphasizes the principles of democracy, individual freedom, and equality under the law, and that these principles are what make someone an “American.” However, Walzer acknowledges that these principles have not always been fully realized in practice, and that there are ongoing struggles to expand the scope of American democracy and equality.
Walzer also emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity in American identity. He argues that American culture is a mix of different cultural traditions and influences, and that this diversity is one of the strengths of American identity. However, he also acknowledges that this diversity can create tensions and conflicts, and that it requires ongoing efforts to build bridges across cultural divides.
Another important idea in Walzer’s essay is the notion of “connectedness.” He argues that American identity is not just about individual freedom and rights, but also about a sense of connection and responsibility to others. He emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and participation in building a strong American identity.
The Unity and Diversity in Regional Integration Studies. By Luk Van Langenhove
Regional integration is a complex and multifaceted process that involves economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions. The book argues that there is no single theory or approach that can fully capture the diversity and complexity of regional integration, and that a multi-disciplinary approach is necessary to understand the various aspects of regional integration.
Another key idea in the book is that regional integration is not a homogeneous process, but rather a diverse one, with different regional integration initiatives having different goals, objectives, and outcomes. The book explores the different types of regional integration processes, including regionalism, sub-regionalism, and inter-regionalism, and discusses the various factors that influence these processes.
Finally, the book emphasizes the importance of considering the various actors involved in regional integration, including states, non-state actors, and international organizations. It argues that a thorough understanding of regional integration requires an analysis of the role that these actors play in shaping and influencing the process.
Rethinking Regions and Regionalism. By Frederik Soderbaum
challenge traditional notions of regions and regionalism as fixed and static entities, and to argue for a more dynamic and fluid understanding of these concepts. Soderbaum argues that regions are constructed through social, economic, and political processes, and that they are constantly evolving and changing over time.
The author examines the historical origins of regionalism, tracing its development from the post-World War II era to the present day. He also explores the different approaches to regionalism, including state-centric, sub-state, and non-state perspectives.
State-centric regionalism refers to regional integration initiatives that are driven primarily by states and their governments. This approach emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty and focuses on economic and political cooperation among states. Soderbaum argues that state-centric regionalism can be effective in promoting economic growth and stability, but it may also lead to exclusion and marginalization of sub-state actors, such as local governments and civil society organizations.
Sub-state regionalism, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of sub-state actors in regional integration. This approach emphasizes the importance of local governments, civil society organizations, and other non-state actors in promoting regional cooperation and addressing local concerns. Soderbaum argues that sub-state regionalism can be effective in promoting inclusiveness and local ownership of regional integration initiatives, but it may also lead to fragmentation and a lack of coordination among different sub-state actors.
Non-state regionalism refers to regional integration initiatives that are driven primarily by non-state actors, such as civil society organizations, business groups, and academic institutions. This approach emphasizes the importance of bottom-up initiatives and emphasizes issues such as environmental protection, human rights, and social justice. Soderbaum argues that non-state regionalism can be effective in promoting inclusiveness, environmental sustainability, and social justice, but it may also face challenges in terms of political legitimacy and financial sustainability.
Overall, Soderbaum emphasizes that regionalism should be approached from a multi-level and multi-dimensional perspective, involving cooperation and coordination among different levels of governance and across different issue areas. This approach recognizes the importance of both state and non-state actors in promoting regional integration and addresses concerns related to inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability.
Soderbaum goes on to analyze the key challenges facing regionalism in the contemporary world, including globalization, geopolitical shifts, and environmental challenges. He also assesses the potential for regionalism to contribute to global governance and address global problems.
Making Sense of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. By Stephen Blank
Analysis of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional security alliance formed in 2001 comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The main idea of the book is to provide an in-depth understanding of the SCO and its role in shaping regional security, economic cooperation, and political stability. Blank argues that the SCO has emerged as a significant player in the international arena, with the potential to challenge Western dominance and influence.
The author explores the history of the SCO and its evolution, highlighting its original purpose as a forum for resolving border disputes and promoting regional economic cooperation. He also examines the key challenges facing the organization, including differing national interests, territorial disputes, and ideological differences.
Blank goes on to analyze the strategic implications of the SCO for the United States and other Western powers, arguing that the organization represents a challenge to Western-led globalization and the liberal international order. He also assesses the potential for the SCO to act as a counterbalance to the United States and its allies in Asia.
The SCO is primarily a security organization: Blank argues that the primary purpose of the SCO is to promote regional security and stability, particularly in Central Asia. This includes addressing issues such as terrorism, separatism, and extremism, as well as promoting military cooperation and joint exercises among member states.
The SCO has limited economic integration: While the SCO includes economic cooperation as one of its objectives, Blank notes that economic integration among member states has been limited. This is due in part to differences in economic development levels and priorities among member states, as well as the dominance of China in the region.
The SCO is driven by China and Russia: Blank argues that the SCO is driven primarily by China and Russia, which use the organization to promote their interests in the region. This includes advancing their strategic goals, protecting their borders, and countering the influence of external powers such as the United States.
The SCO faces challenges to its cohesion: Blank notes that the SCO faces challenges to its cohesion, including differences in the interests and priorities of member states, as well as tensions between China and Russia. Additionally, the inclusion of observer states such as India and Pakistan may further complicate the organization’s internal dynamics.
The SCO is part of a larger trend towards regionalism: Blank situates the SCO within a larger trend towards regionalism, as states seek to address security and economic challenges through regional cooperation. He notes that the SCO may serve as a model for other regional organizations, particularly in Eurasia.
Overall, Blank’s analysis emphasizes the role of the SCO as a regional security organization, driven primarily by China and Russia, but facing challenges to its cohesion and effectiveness.
Euro-Mediterranean Integration and Cooperation: Prospects and Challenges. By Katia Adamo and Paolo Garonna
Challenges and opportunities for cooperation between Europe and the Mediterranean region.
The main idea of the book is to provide an in-depth understanding of the historical and political context of Euro-Mediterranean relations, and to assess the prospects for deeper integration and cooperation in the future. The authors argue that the Mediterranean region is a crucial area for Europe’s economic, political, and security interests, and that closer cooperation is essential to address common challenges such as terrorism, migration, and climate change.
Adamo and Garonna examine the various initiatives and programs aimed at fostering Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, including the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the Barcelona Process. They assess the strengths and weaknesses of these initiatives, and provide recommendations for how they could be strengthened and improved.
The authors also analyze the economic potential of the Mediterranean region, highlighting the opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism. They examine the key challenges facing economic integration, including political instability, corruption, and weak institutional frameworks.
The ASEAN Synthesis: Human rights, Non-Intervention, and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. By Mathew Davies
The article argues that ASEAN’s approach to human rights is based on a synthesis between the Western conception of individual rights and the Southeast Asian tradition of collective rights. This has resulted in a unique approach that emphasizes non-interference in the internal affairs of member states and the promotion of human rights through consensus-based dialogue.
Davies also discusses the development of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, which was adopted in 2012. The declaration was criticized for being too vague and not providing adequate protections for human rights. However, Davies argues that the declaration reflects the ASEAN synthesis and the organization’s commitment to balancing human rights with non-interference.
Regionalism in Africa: A Part of Problem or a Part of Solution. By Margaret Lee
strengths and weaknesses of regionalism in Africa, and to explore the potential for regional integration to contribute to economic growth, political stability, and social development.
The author examines the historical and political context of regionalism in Africa, highlighting the influence of colonialism, nationalism, and globalization. She also explores the various challenges facing regional integration, including conflict, corruption, and weak institutional frameworks.
Lee goes on to analyze the various regional organizations and initiatives in Africa, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). She assesses their achievements and limitations, and provides recommendations for how they can be strengthened and improved.
The author also examines the potential for regional integration to contribute to broader global issues, such as climate change and international trade. She argues that regionalism in Africa can be a part of the solution to these challenges, rather than a part of the problem.
The European Community Framing of the Mediterranean (1970-1990). By Sally Khalifa Isaac and Haidi Esmat Kares
analysis of the European Community’s (EC) approach to the Mediterranean region during the 1970s and 1980s.
The main idea of the book is to explore the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of the EC’s relationship with the Mediterranean region, and to assess the impact of this relationship on regional development and cooperation.
The authors examine the historical and political context of the EC’s engagement with the Mediterranean region, highlighting the influence of colonialism, nationalism, and the Cold War. They also explore the various challenges facing the region during this period, including political instability, economic underdevelopment, and social inequality.
Isaac and Kares go on to analyze the various initiatives and programs aimed at fostering cooperation between the EC and the Mediterranean region, including the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the Barcelona Process. They assess the strengths and weaknesses of these initiatives, and provide recommendations for how they could be strengthened and improved.
The authors also examine the cultural dimensions of the EC’s engagement with the Mediterranean region, highlighting the importance of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. They argue that cultural exchange and cooperation can contribute to deeper regional integration and cooperation.
The European Union and the Arab World: from the Rome Treaty to the Arab Spring
Relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Arab world from the EU’s inception in the 1950s to the Arab Spring in 2011.
The main idea of the book is to explore the historical, political, and cultural dimensions of the EU’s relationship with the Arab world, and to assess the impact of this relationship on regional development, cooperation, and conflict.
The author examines the historical and political context of the EU’s engagement with the Arab world, highlighting the influence of colonialism, nationalism, and the Cold War. He also explores the various challenges facing the region during this period, including political instability, economic underdevelopment, and social inequality.
Styan goes on to analyze the various initiatives and programs aimed at fostering cooperation between the EU and the Arab world, including the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the European Neighbourhood Policy. He assesses the strengths and weaknesses of these initiatives, and provides recommendations for how they could be strengthened and improved.
The author also examines the cultural dimensions of the EU’s engagement with the Arab world, highlighting the importance of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. He argues that cultural exchange and cooperation can contribute to deeper regional integration and cooperation.
Finally, Styan explores the impact of the Arab Spring on the EU’s relationship with the Arab world, assessing the implications for regional stability, democracy, and human rights. He argues that the EU has a crucial role to play in supporting democratic transitions in the region, and in fostering greater cooperation and understanding between Europe and the Arab world.
The European Union as a Model for Regional Integration. By Fraser Cameron.
Cameron begins by examining the historical and political context of the EU’s origins, highlighting the influence of World War II and the Cold War. He also explores the various challenges facing the EU during its evolution, including economic integration, enlargement, and institutional reform.
The author goes on to analyze the various dimensions of the EU as a model for regional integration, including political, economic, social, and cultural integration. He assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the EU model, and provides recommendations for how it could be improved and adapted to other regions.
Cameron also examines the EU’s role in the global system, assessing its impact on international relations, and exploring the opportunities and challenges for deeper global cooperation.
Finally, the author explores the future prospects for the EU as a model for regional integration, assessing the implications of Brexit, the rise of populism and nationalism, and the challenges of globalization and technological change.
