Economic Nationalism: From Classical Roots to Modern Trade Policy
Mercantilism: Foundations of Economic Nationalism
Mercantilism is a state-focused view of international political economy that prioritizes national security, power, and economic control. From the 15th to 19th centuries, classical mercantilism aimed to build trade surpluses by promoting exports and limiting imports. Wealth—especially gold and silver—was seen as necessary to fund military power and secure dominance. Charles Tilly argued that war drove state consolidation, making trade and resource
Read MoreUnderstanding Global Inequality: Samir Amin, Raul Prebisch, and Hegemonic Cycles
Understanding Global Inequality: Samir Amin and Structuralist Thought
Samir Amin, a prominent figure in the structuralist and Marxist schools of thought, focused on the roots of global inequality. His analysis attributes inequality to two primary factors:
The Productivity Gap and Access to Technology
A significant productivity gap exists due to unequal access to technology. Productivity, defined as the capacity to produce, is directly enhanced by technological access. Developed nations benefit from
Read MoreCriminal Subcultures: Emergence, Impact, and Policy
Instrumental Subcultures: Conditions for Emergence
- In neighborhoods with existing opportunity structures, some young people face blockages in legitimate opportunities.
- These individuals may have already adopted a subcultural solution to their status problems and may take a further step: engaging in professional crime.
- This involves a shift from expressive crime (destructive, malicious) to disciplined, instrumental, career-oriented offenses.
Apathetic Subcultures
- Characterized by drug use and a sense
Indian Constitution: Features, Principles, and Governance
Salient Features of the Indian Constitution
Written and Lengthy Constitution: It is one of the longest constitutions in the world.
Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: Some parts can be amended easily, while others require a special majority.
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic: These foundational principles are enshrined in the Preamble, defining India’s nature as an independent nation committed to social justice, religious neutrality, popular rule, and an elected head of state.
Parliamentary
Ortega y Gasset: Philosophy and Historical Context
Philosophical Context
Initially, Ortega’s philosophical context in Germany drew its power from Neo-Kantian science. However, he soon abandoned this model, viewing it as part of the idealism contributing to the crisis of modernity. For Ortega, overcoming idealism (which he termed “the issue of our time”) was not merely a philosophical question, but the solution to the problems facing Spain and Europe. He argued that if the principle of rationality, which defined the modern age, were surpassed by another
Read More19th Century Social Change: Reforms, Darwin, Durkheim
19th Century Societal Transformation
In poorer environments, overcrowding facilitated the spread of diseases, food shortages, and educational deficits. As societal issues escalated, people seemed to be heading towards a metaphorical hell, with moral decay, often fueled by excessive alcohol consumption, crime, and violence. The urgent need for education became apparent.
Education as a Catalyst for Change
Unlike other societal elements, education does not operate within a free market, necessitating legislative
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