Suchergebnisse

Explores the role of public opinion in foreign policy making in the new contexts of international relations in the post-Cold War period. The studies in this volume apply comparative research to the US & Europe to bring a diversity of perspectives covering a range of questions engaged by public opinion analysts. They explore the linkages between public opinion & policymakers, the role of the media in foreign policy, & the structure & sources of attitudes among the public & opinion leaders. The author examines their research around three themes: stability & change in public opinion, the impact of public opinion, & sources of public attitudes. It is questioned whether US foreign policy since the Cold War has drifted to a spirit of isolationionism & unilaterialism. Implications of public opinion for democratic governance when policymakers attend to public opinion, but fail to accurately perceive its attitudes & preferences, is explored. It is questioned if it is undemocratic for policymakers to turn from public opinion when it proves contrary to human values. L. A. Hoffman

An examination of the varied ways questions related to ethnicity, migration, & statehood are posed in different parts of Europe strives to avoid the oversimplified east-west contrasts that are prevalent in many accounts of contemporary Europe. "Immigrant ethnicity" & "territorial nationality" are described as two ways ethnic heterogeneity can be socially organized & politically expressed. It is maintained that Western Europe endorses the immigrant-ethnicity model in which ethnic groups arise through migration while Eastern Europe sanctions the territorial-nationality model that focuses on indigenous ethnic groups. Attention is called to acute differences between the two groups in political claims made in the name of ethnicity. The immigrant-ethnic model summons politics of anti-discrimination, civil inclusion, & "soft multiculturalism," while territorial nationality stresses claims to public recognition, support for cultural activities, & even special immunities. Problems related to immigration in Western Europe have centered on immigration from the outside as opposed to the Eastern European focus on emigration. The importance of state-building in Eastern Europe is discussed. 50 References. J. Lindroth

Tests the theory that the end of the Cold War created a fundamental shift in public opinion concerning international peace & security. Data on public opinion from the Netherlands are analyzed to determine if the structure of public opinion, the larger political process, & the role of the media have changed. Attention is given to some studies in other countries as well. It is concluded that major post-Cold War changes in the international system did not change opinions concerning the necessity & legitimacy of maintaining armed forces, although some of their tasks, mission, & structures might be questioned. Neopacifists & neointerventionists have shifted the discourse. While the use of force for internationalist goals is morally attractive, the incidence of numerous casualties may lose public support for the intervention. Adaptations & conversion is needed for military instruments to adapt to counter security risks. Public opinion does not actively seek this adjustment, but seems to accept its sensibility. L. A. Hoffman

Examines how the United State's foreign & security policies have changed since the more simplistic Cold War rubric. Discusses how recent events -- e.g. Gulf War & September 11th -- have shaped policymaking, America's crusade to develop democracy in other countries, & relations with international organizations. y.

"The paper advocates the cautious and constitutional evolution of existing basic income schemes ('unemployment benefit II') and Targeted Negative Income Tax ('Einstiegsgeld') into a means-tested combi-wage model for the future long-term unemployed (gradualism strategy). The paper argues that, with regard to existing unemployment benefit II claimants, stronger financial incentives should be offered on a time restricted basis by largely disregarding (up to the relative poverty line) earnings from 'mini', 'midi' and part-time jobs - with the aim of providing current unemployment II claimants with a powerful incentive to work at least 15 hours a week and thus to relinquish their unemployed status. Bearing in mind the uncertain employment impact and the related fiscal risks, the paper advises against additional financial incentives by reducing support levels from one day to the next (cold turkey strategy)." (author's abstract)

"The paper advocates the cautious and constitutional evolution of existing basic income schemes ('unemployment benefit II') and Targeted Negative Income Tax ('Einstiegsgeld') into a means-tested combi-wage model for the future long-term unemployed (gradualism strategy). The paper argues that, with regard to existing unemployment benefit II claimants, stronger financial incentives should be offered on a time restricted basis by largely disregarding (up to the relative poverty line) earnings from 'mini', 'midi' and part-time jobs - with the aim of providing current unemployment II claimants with a powerful incentive to work at least 15 hours a week and thus to relinquish their unemployed status. Bearing in mind the uncertain employment impact and the related fiscal risks, the paper advises against additional financial incentives by reducing support levels from one day to the next (cold turkey strategy)." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Even at this time when global politics is in the flux of change, the actions of the great powers remain of importance. Thus theories that might explain their behavior should remain in the spotlight of academic research. The focus of this essay is one particular balance-of-power theory, offensive realism, here viewed in conjunction with power transition theory. When power is not balanced & in a state of flux, nations must constantly be alert to the possibility of war. They must maximize their own power & always be ready to take any opportunistic advantage -- thus the term offensive realism. Erik Labs's (1997) observations of several historical wars support his claims that "the ebb & flow of wartime opportunity corresponded consistently with the expansion & contraction of war aims." John Mearsheimer's (2001) comparative analysis shows that "great powers look for opportunities to shift the balance of power in their favor & usually seize opportunities when they appear." While these findings do not suggest that balance-of-power theory be discarded, they do indicate that full consideration be given to its various manifestations. J. Stanton

An introduction discusses the concept of the public sphere as articulated by Jurgen Habermas. The authors consider the question of whether the public sphere is fact or norm & then question the ideal itself. They summarize the essays included in this book. 13 References. 13 References. A. Funderburg

An introduction discusses the concept of the public sphere as articulated by Jurgen Habermas. The authors consider the question of whether the public sphere is fact or norm & then question the ideal itself. They summarize the essays included in this book. 13 References. 13 References. A. Funderburg

Six hypotheses describing changes in the post-Cold War workings of media coverage, public opinion, & government are advanced through examples of policy making concerning Bosnia, Kosovo, & Somalia. With the breakdown of the Cold War framework, defining & defending US interests have become more complex, & independent media may be exerting greater influence over the foreign policy process. Several concepts are explored: The media, left to fill the Cold War gap with their own theories on international relations tends to place a double bind on the president by demanding assertive interventionist leadership & then chastising any setbacks or failures. Public opinion, presented with more visual data, is reified, but does not always resemble the true desire & interests of the American people. Due to core ideological beliefs that legitimize government control & media regulation, Republicans tend to dominate media coverage more than Democrats. In many instances public opinion achieves representation without deliberation. L. A. Hoffman