Research Topics: Politics And Governance

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY:  A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI Based on the history of Burundi, it has become an independent country since 1962.  But, since that time, there have been a lot of endless social crises that occurred in the country.  In relation to this, the Burundians are still experiencing successive massacres and insurgencies that only elevate the extreme condition of poverty.  However, the peace agreement process has begun in Arusha, Tanzania in 1996 which somewhat reduced the active conflicts  in the place; but still the peace and reconciliation remains the struggling  effort in the country since August 2004 massacre in Congolese Banyamulenge in Burundi’s refugee camp.  Aside from these, numerous killings and wars  are being reported in the Bujumbura Rural province.  So, at this time and age, there is a serious need for developmental assistance that can provide total peace in the country.  Many scholars and researchers believe that the causes of the endless social conflicts between the people are greatly attributed by the division of ethnicity of several Burundian clans.  In fact, even up to this contemporary time, there are still socio-ethnic factions that divide the Burundian people.  This is also the root of differential social history of violence and impunity, as well as attributes to the poor condition of the economy of the people.  In addition to that, the unjust and mismanagement of the Burundi government elevates more the explosions of regional conflicts and killings among Burundian communities.  (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf)   On the other hand, since November 2001, a gradual transition has begun in the society as well as in the politics.  But, there are still many possible negative factors that would trigger the Burundi’s social conflicts.    However, there are also many positive factors that suggest many opportunities for peace development as well as peace process and economic assistance from the neighboring countries.  There are important factors that the country needs for   total reform and development assistance such as for the people to come to realize about the benefits of peace talks from the destructiveness of their conflicts.  In view thereof, the country witnessed an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 killings since 1993.  The never-ending violence among the Burundians has had a direct impact on the agricultural sector which affects 50 % of national products in the country.  The negative impact of dropping down of coffee   prices and land erosion made a massive competition among the coffee farmers.   Moreover, the Burundian society has not been improved politically because of the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic identities.  Subsequently, the chronic post-independence violence gave worst repeated massacres and assassinations as well as series episodes of inter-communal violence; that are also associated with political issues in the country.  And, the worst thing is, even the international communities have been ignoring all these social conflicts that really affect tremendously in the economic condition of the country as well as to the poor living condition of the Burundians.  Unfortunately, even in the diplomatic level, the attempts at military contingency planning failed because of lack of financial    and other support systems from the government.  From 1994 up to 1996, the United Nations did an attempt to intervene with the peace negotiation in the country after the assassination of Burundi former President Ndadaye.   And, the Burundi’s attempt to control Rwanda; but, this was in vain, because of the insufficient military resources.  From then on, there have been many attempts of peace negotiation from the UN officials as well as the other neighboring countries to help in resolving the   worst wars or social conflicts in the country, but it seems that the Burundian ethnic groups are really against to any peace negotiations.  (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf) Consequently, Burundi is   one of the poorest countries in the world; because of its poor legal system in the government, lack of educational system and the worst thing is this is the place where HIV/AIDS is very prevalent.  According to the UN report almost 80 percent of Burundi’s population lives in poverty.  And, based on the record of World Food Programme, 56.8 percent of children are suffering severe malnutrition.  The country has the record of lowest or poorest quality of living in the world. And, because of this severe situation of the society, the country and the people really depend on the foreign assistance.  One more thing about the poor condition of the economy of Burundi is the lack of access among the people to financial service. Eventually,   the United Nation has been able to make significant change in the government through popular voted constitution. But still, there are existing difficulties with rebels, with refugees, and with the sustainability   of food supplies for the war-weary population.  The UN is also doing its great effort to rehabilitate school buildings, orphanages, as well as health clinics and water lines for the Burundian communities. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burundi)   References: (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf) (http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTCPR/Resources/WP27_Web.pdf) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burundi)   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI

A SOCIAL CRISIS IMPACT ON A DEVELOPING COUNTRY’S DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI Based on the history of Burundi, i...

My Country_ Philippines

My Country           The Philippines is a country comprising of seven thousand one hundred seven islands. It is found on the Pacific and belongs to the ring of fire. It has been called the Pearl of the Orient.  It is divided into sixteen regions amongst which are the National Capital Region, the Ilocos Region, Southern Tagalog Regions and the Cordillera Autonomous Region. Manila is the capital city with Luzon as the biggest among the three geographical group (Halili, 2004, pg 23). Mindanao comes second then the Visayas.           My country has had a long history with foreign colonizers. Ferdinand Magellan landed in Samar in 1521 and named the islands Islas de San Lazaro. Ruy Lopez de Villalobos gave the name Filipinas in honor of Prince Philip of Asturias in 1543 ( Halili, 2004, pg 22). The Philippines was under Spanish rule for over three hundred years. After the Spaniards ceded the country to the United States in 1898, the country became a self-governing commonwealth in 1935 under Manuel M. Quezon but fell to Japanese rule in 1942( Philippines-CIA- the world factbook,2011). However, after three years of war, the Philippines attained her independence on July 4, 1946 during which Manuel M. Roxas became the president of the Third Republic of the Philippines(Halili, 2004, pg.250).           The country has had fifteen presidents so far. The thirteenth president was thrown out of office amidst allegations of corruption and cronyism in his government. He was succeeded by his then vice-president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and who was then voted into office in 2004 amidst cheating in the elections.  The Philippines has been beset with many problems stemming from corruption and ineptitude of some political leaders.  The economy, however, was able to withstand the global crisis that plagued most of the world due to a well-managed financial machinery of the  government. The banking sector remained unaffected by the said crisis. (Background Note Philippines, 2011) Remittance from Filipinos working overseas contribute largely to the economy and the business processing outsource is the thriving industry in the country today. The national elections has been held last May 2010 using the automated voting machine. Benigno Aquino the third  is voted into office and is currently the head of state.           The Philippines boasts of her vast natural resources and wonderful sights. It is a great place for diving and snorkelling. One could also scale the heights of the country’s various mountains and active volcanoes. Palawan is one of the favorite  tourist destinations. Tubattaha  Reef is a protected site in the place and has been named a World Heritage site by the UNESCO(Halili, 2004, pg 27). Coron, Palawan is also a famous diving site for tourists. Bohol is famous for the Chocolate Hills and the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Donsol is where you can swim with whale sharks.  Who can forget the beaches? Boracay is the trophy beach of the country and is off the island of Panay (Lonely planet, introducing boracay, 2010). It is famed for its white sands. Siquijor, an island of mysterious healers and called the mystique islands, is fast becoming a tourist attraction because of its dive sites, including Paliton beach, Saligdong beach where the mako shark can be spotted, and the colorful reefs of Sandugan and Tongo Points (lonely planet, introducing siquijor, 2009). The country is also famous for its historical places. Among them are Intramuros ,or the Walled City and Luneta in Manila, Vigan in Ilocos Sur and Mactan in Cebu City in the Visayas. The Philippines can also brag about the Banaue Rice Terraces. It is considered the eighth wonder of the world.         The Philippines has several shopping malls to boot. Clothes, shoes, bags and other apparels can be bought at affordable prices. Cell phones and other gadgets and gizmos can also be bought cheaply. My country has the nightlife, too. Just go anywhere in the Timog and Tomas Morato  in Quezon City  and the various bars and cafes are there.         But what the Philippines can really brag about is its people. Despite the diversity, there is still a sense of homogeneity ( Halili, 2004, pg 30). Its people are known for bravery, adaptability and resilience. It is the Filipinos who heralded the call for freedom in 1986 with the people power revolution and ousted an abusive president. Other nations followed the Philippine example. The people of this country can adapt to different cultures and learn their languages and be able to assimilate. The people are also known to be deeply spiritual and patient. This country is widely known for its hospitality and friendliness. The Filipinos warm smile is also universally acknowledged. But most of all, the Filipinos are hailed for the ability to withstand any pressure, whether from natural disasters or any form of oppression.   References: 1st ed: Halili,M.C.,2004. CIA.,ISSN 1553-8133. Philippine History.Sampaloc: Philippines-CIA-the-world-factbook. Rex Bookstore                                [online]CIA:Available at:htpps://www.cia.                                                               gov/library/publication/the-world-factbook/                                                         geos/rp.html[accessed dateJune14,2011]                   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

My Country_ Philippines

My Country ...

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war: An assessment

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war        After decades of static autocratic dominant, Africa shifted its way to another form of government since the end of cold war. Liberalization took place in 1989 where there were only 3 countries including South Africa, Ghana, Mali and Senegal have joined. After about twenty years only then additional 30 countries have joined. People in this region have never believed that the government stands and upsurge in the number of society could give them as much freedom and opportunities in their chosen political position.  Their democratic forms of government remains strong even they belong to a third world country.            Africa’s rich political history goes way back in time of Autocratic government era. Africa has an autocratic form of government that is ruled by autocratic practices. But because growing changes in economy diverse in government transform at least half of African country into democratic types of government variation took place and liberalization soar. Freedom of the press has tends to enjoy choices of people in changing their political preferences among nations. Effective engagement in international trade opened up a whole new world of opportunity.  Peace and investment has become the conventional scenery for progress. Shared culture and education took place, openness among nation bring forth additional opportunities among people.                  Finally at the end of cold war, they created a more disciplined and a more hospitable environment for democrat’s believers. Its effect is contagious and highly accepted.  The end of the cold war has turned Africa into a period of unprecedented democratic expansion in Africa. Since the monopoly ruling power of decades has past. The convergence of exchange of ideas in other neighboring countries shifted to democratic advances, however the implication of far reach economic progress and stability is still out of reach. Though freedom is on their way reaching the dream of progress takes time and experience. Since democracy is not an instance change but a long term process.       Democrat Practitioners says that this reform breaks the following into four stages. First is the opening where competing perspective on how the ruling party should be governed and come into public view. Second is the breakthrough stage where freedom of speech, ruling-party sectors may come and multi-party election becomes a norm. Third, transitions may come from 10 to 15 years. Fourth is the and last is the consolidation where all phases of democracy will be accepted in by people and all major political actors.       At this staged only the leaders who are transparent victorious winner in the election process will be the one to legitimately govern. And at this stage peaceful and meaningful transfer of power is at stake.   Categorization of African Political Regimes as of 2007: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal">Autocracies: Cameroon, chad, Equitorial guinea, 	Erithrea,Gabon, Guinea, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Zimbabwe</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Semi-Authoriatarians – Angola, Burkian Faso, 	Central African Republic, Congo, Coe de Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, 	Guinea Bisau, Rwanda, Zambia</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Democratizers – Burundi, Comoros, Dem republic 	of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, 	Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia</li> <li class="MsoNormal">Consolidating Democrats – Benin, Botswana, Cape 	Verde, Ghana, Lesoto, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Sao Tome & Princepe, Senegal 	and South Africa.</li> </ul> Record show that the steady growth in economy of democrats has been translated into improved living condition for most of their citizens. Death rate has declined by 13 percent and growth of democrats shows 5 times more stable than of Autocrats. This pattern show same results in other countries. Civil conflicts notably show as high as 60 percent decline which results in less famine and less refugee crises. While the vast majority in autocratic government likes Chad, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Angola have shown little improvement in their standard of living.       Some problem arise with the Neo Patrimonial who opposed the democrats they are the non conformist that have a negative belief that this so cold democrats will have done no good to the country. The result is just a complex in stand and not much ideal have been resolve. However democrats show a better job in creating such institution than as of Neo Patrimonial and other government system. Their characteristic goes a long way in policy debate.       International support and alliance between countries in providing aid took place. The European Union which offers exceeds more than 1 Billion dollars for democracy promotion and activities. The United States provide at least 850 million dollars in democracy aid annually.  And many other international agencies have provided their supported for democracy.  Their support shall provide and strengthen the democrats. Although studies of mixed impact show that politics has yet flourished economic growth, the support coming from the first world country still existed.       Democratization in Africa also shows that external influence matter and some people do question is the reason why the super power government has provided aid. Somehow the democratic aid has formed a dispute. Some have made a stand that super power nation simply undermine its worth but to form an alliance among nation in case of war. This dispute created implication for aid. And what is it all about?  While helpful and in some instance indispensable this assistance will not ensure political progress. With this in mind the following recommendation are offered to show improvement in giving aid to Africa: They will have to differentiate funding base on democratic commitment, Strengthen mechanism of shared power, Create incentives for ongoing economic reforms, Raise regional economic standard. And recognize the oil curse. Thereby Africa show dramatic changes in the past decade yet still the democratic position remain in question since more than half of its nation remain in a different position and would still not believe in democrats most of these government still resist these position of changes. And for aid provider their contributing factor should be clear.       The end of cold war open up a whole new world in this continent although success or failure of democratic reform is in the hand of the people, nevertheless the starting points of Africa’s democratic experiences has come their way.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war: An assessment

Africa’s emerging governance regime since the end of cold war After decades of static autocratic dominant, Africa shifted its way t...

Top