Thoughts on American politics
Culture
Culture which refers to how people behave in relation to their values is different among different societies. The American culture reflects the values that America has and their way of living those values. America’s culture is based on freedom, goal orientation and pragmatism. Americans are formal and confident in their endeavors. America is known in the world for their American dream culture that believes every person can achieve their dreams if they work at it and achieve success. The political culture of America based on its revolutionary roots and proclamation of independence. It regulates the political acts that are permitted and is based on freedom and integrity. America requires people in their offices who are upright and will protect the constitution.
Both of these cultures are different from many countries which do not have the same level of accountability or guidance. The American culture allows for pursuits on personal level and national level that are unique and have helped to place America in a powerful position in the world. One of the strengths of American culture is that it is based on and pursues values that are important to its people and as such there is great cohesion. In freedom American can express themselves politically, socially and economically. One of the weaknesses of American culture is that because of their unity and confidence they are often misunderstood by the rest of the world. This has been blamed for instances like the hate sentiments that America received after declaring war on Iraq.
One of the aspects of American culture is that it is powerful and America knows this. Therefore its politicians often use their influence to get other nations to act in its best interest or in the interest of the world and because of its power other nations have to give way. What is missing from American culture is probably more interactions with other nations so that their stand can be understood better and they can receive the support they need. American culture is hard to define because America is very diverse. From its people to its history and ideas, America is a melting pot and made up of many cultures that compliment one another.
Public policy
A public policy refers to attempt to resolve a public concern by the administration. This attempt can be in the form of actions, regulations or laws. Decisions are reached to enact a policy when there are no current means to address the issue or the means in use are not working well. Policies are adopted if they present efficacy legitimacy of addressing the public issue the policy targets. The policies are decided upon if they address the issue, can be financially supported and they are in in conflict with existing laws. There are certain steps that would be followed when forming a policy for example on childhood obesity.
The first step would be initiation a policy. The issue of obesity would be introduced as a public issue. The next step would be fact finding. This would allow data on issue and cases of obesity to be generated. The next step would be recommendation of policy on obesity to high executives based on the data obesity. Next would be preparation of the policy regarding how childhood obesity is to be reduced in future. Next would follow tabling of the suggestions of regulations or actions to be taken by players on obesity so that it can be discussed and stakeholders can engage in participation and effectively respond to the bill for example parents and the medical field.
Next would be approval of policy for example changes in school cafeterias to give healthier meals. Next would be implementation of the policy so what has been decided like cafeteria giving healthier meals would be executed. Next would be getting feedback on how effective the policy is like if childhood obesity is reducing. After that the policy would be reevaluated and if it is working, and obesity is being adequately addressed, it would continue. If not the last step would be reformulation of the policy again on childhood obesity.
America‘s sovereignty and foreign policies
America has risen to a place of power in the world especially with the collapse of Soviet Union. According to Bagby (1999) America set its course through isolationism when it distanced itself from European wars while maintaining cultural and economic relations. It has continued to its powerful position and since its sovereignty has largely not been under threat from other countries, I agree that it has been addressing foreign policies beyond its own interests. However times are changing and America has to respond to foreign policies in ways that safeguard its interest.
The new challenges in world business for example have place great pressure on America for example, China and India becoming economically strong and their global influence advancing. America has to maintain its allies in Asia so keep power balance. For example according to Bagby (1999) America’s foreign polices towards Japan are much better because of the Chinese threat. America’s foreign polices in the middle East are also governed by desire for America to keep threat from Middle East to America low. Although America foreign policies have been in the general interest of the world, a situation similar to the cold war is occurring.
If China for example becomes powerful and its ideas govern the world America will lose its position and its democracies will be affected. Therefore as much as it may be that America does not want to see China as the world’s super power because of the effect this will have on the world, its ideologies are most in contrast with China and America will suffer the most as a society. America does not want to see terrorism take root because of world peace but also because it will be more vulnerable if terrorism spreads across the world. That is why it works with allies to secure its borders which were severely breached during the September 11 attacks.
Lessons from the course
One of the things that I have learned during the semester is how small the world really is. Although every country experiences its national pride and realities, the international world is getting closer and affecting national experiences. This is especially so when considering foreign policies. From the economic, to the culture to the politics of a country it is easier than ever to see the effects of a country’s acts on other countries. Today the freedoms enjoyed on economics and politics are easily scrutinized and challenged. Looking at the example of China and Tibet for example, China would have been able to carry on with its chosen course of action as a sovereign nation. However due to the international relations other nations are beginning to voice their appeals for Tibet to be granted autonomy.
Although China states it has no obligation to do so, the effects of the pressure it feel has been pushing to to the negotiating table. In the course of the study my mind has been changed about America’s position of power in the world and international politics. Although America remains quite powerful, there are threats to its power from various regions primarily Asia. Asia is aligning itself with perhaps less powerful nations, for example in Africa, but by doing this they are still getting more powerful. The economic ties China has been forming in Africa and Latin America pits it against America. Unless America continues to have more economic power, its position could be seriously threatened by the rise of other nations. The financial meltdown underscores the importance of America retaining its economic power if it is to remain powerful especially in an age of global markets.
What I feel most strongly about after the course is the need to pursue world peace and harmony through international forums. This is because the world is global village and what affects one country is likely to have repercussions to other countries in due time. Generation ‘why’ is making the world even closer through its use of technology and its neo-liberal methodologies in economics and politics. They are not interested in machine politics but in real democracy, dialogue and distribution of power. World peace is paramount to the future generation.
American political participation
America’s participation especially in voting should always fully engage the voters and not cater to individual groups. By exercising fully in the process candidates give voters an opportunity to weigh the issues at hand and what each party stands for leaving room for party realignment if a voter is not comfortable with her party’s stand. It is also the responsibility of every voter to participate in elections so as to promote civic virtues which have a higher chance of coming into effect if people engage each other in dialogue and the elected leaders represent the common good of all. Participation in primary elections is therefore important to elect public office officials who cater to the common good of the majority.
A politician should not align themselves to only those who vote for them neither should take office to cater for a particular group and discriminate against others. They are responsible for finding ways in which they can target the needs of the unique groups in their electorate and fulfill those needs. Politicians should be fair, neutral and seek real solutions to the solutions of all since they are charged with the responsibility of a public office and they ought to rise up to it and not shrink away from responsibility.
Reference
Bagby, W. M. (1999). America‘s international relations since world war I. New York:
Oxford University Press, Inc.
