Globalization

When we meet next we will finish discussing China and go on to examine the concept and phenomenon known as globalization.

This animated video from 2011 explains the concept of globalization in broad terms. 

The world is becoming more and more interconnected. Globalization changes how people consume, work and live almost everywhere on the world. Today, many economic, political, cultural or ecological relationships are not explainable from a national perspective. At the same time, a controversial debate about the consequences of globalization has begun.
But what are the main causes for globalization? In what areas it is most prominent? And who are the winners and losers of globalization?

Understanding the Rise of China

This week we are going to look at China. Take 20 minutes to listen to Martin Jacques:

The End of History and the Unipolar Moment

This week, we are going to discuss the period immediately following the end of the Cold War and in particular at the way this affected the foreign policy of the United States.

The first thing to read is this essay by Charles Krauthammer:

The Unipolar Moment

Next, read this by Francis Fukuyama:

The End of History

You can watch Krauthammer and get an idea about him and his views here:

While Fukuyama is here:

Why did the Soviet Union Collapse?

This is an interesting question and vexing question the answer to which historians and International Relations experts still cannot agree.

Perhaps even more interesting is why it collapsed when it did and in such a sudden manner. So much so that it took a lot of people by surprise.

This week in preparation have a look at this lecture by the Australian expert Paul Dibb:

European Borders

This is a rather nice timelapse map of Europe in the Second Millenium.

THE EU PROJECT: From The Marshall Plan to 'an ever closer Union'

Next week we are going to study the European Union from its inception to the present day. The aim is to understand how it came about, what its original goals were and how far it has succeeded in achieving them. In the light of current developments we will then discuss what the future may hold.

You may like to look at this video before next week.

Bretton Woods

Bretton Woods and the era of US Economic Hegemony

What were the primary aims and purposes of the Bretton Woods conference? 

Were they achieved? 

How did the US maintain its hegemony over the post-war international economic system? 

Why did it end?

Here's some viewing for you:

ENJOY!

Blogger

Those of you with iPads may like to use the following app to follow this course: Blogger

Wk 2: The Marshall Plan to Korea

So the main thing I think I learned from this week's session was that there was a long time - three years or so - between Churchill's Iron Curtain speech and the actual political division of Germany after the Berlin crisis of 1949.

I am also struck by the importance of the Marshal Plan as a breaking point between the Soviets and the West.

Here's an episode from the Cold War series that examines the Marshall Plan and its effect:

 

Next week

We are going to examine the Vietnam War next week. Here is the Cold War series episode for you to watch:

 

 The question I'd like us all to think about is whether or not the US actually lost in Vietnam? This is not a trick question. You might like to do some web research. Here's a link I found that contains some relevant debate:

Who won the Vietnam War?

See you next week!

Hayek

I had a quick look on the web for The Road to Serfdom and found the following PDF links. This is the Reader’s Digest condensed version of April 1945: Hayek1. This seems to be the full version: Hayek2.

Week 1- Origins of The Cold War

Welcome to our course blog!

Please use this resource to post your ideas and comments on your learning journey through this course.

This week we examined the origins of the Cold War.

The whole of the classic BBC documentary series 'Cold War' is available on You Tube. Here is the first episode:

 For next week, please watch this one: