Class, Democracy and Resistance In Contemporary Thailand. What is the Dissertation

Class, Democracy and Resistance In Contemporary Thailand. What is the red shirt yellow shirt conflict about - Dissertation Example It then proceeds to explore why, if the Red Shirts are indeed representative of those who have been oppressed by an elite urban-centric Thailand, support is being given to a leader like Thaksin Shinawatra who, by all showing, is a rent-seeking and corrupt politician. It uses class and resistance as lens by which the red shirt and yellow shirt phenomenon may be understood and seeks to unravel tha complex dynamics that underlie Thai-style contemporary politics. II. Introduction The image is a searing one, and has captured the attention of a global audience. Outside Siam paragon, one of Bangkok’s gleaming edifices, a man stands with his fist clenched. He has the weatherbeaten face of a rural farmer from northern Thailand and he is in a red shirt. The picture captures the audience because of the juxtaposition it presents: the two faces of one country. On the one hand, as represented by the posh mall that is the Siam Paragon, it is a modern and bustling economy, well on its way to Capitalist-style development. On the other hand, it is a simmering hotbed of discontent, with rural labourers coming to the center so that their voices may finally be heard. This contradiction lies at the very heart of the Red Shirt and Yellow Shirt conflict in Thailand. This paper aims to discuss the political conflict in Thailand between the Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirts in Thailand, a conflict that has led to many dramatic scenes being played out before the international media but whose underlying themes and issues remain hidden from the Western spectator. There is much myth-making that has helped both sides along: with one side demonizing the other and glorifying its own, and people seeing only what they choose to see. The conflict illustrates the complexity of Thai politics, and the stark class injustices and inequality that have attended the so-called Land of the Free. On the one hand, there is a group who has long been a victim of historical injustices and seeks to be hear d by the center and it does so by supporting a strongman whose political career has been riddled by charges of corruption and misfeasance in public office (see: Chaturon, 2009). On the other hand, is a group affiliated with the â€Å"People’s Alliance for Democracy† (PAD) who professes support for the King and who levels on Thaksin the charge of not being respectful enough to the Thai Monarch, but who represent the elite and middle class in Thai society and to the lower classes in rural Thailand (Chaturon, 2009), partially responsible for the gaping inequalities in the political economy of Thailand by protecting the status quo from which they benefit. Andre Vltcheck (2010) puts it succinctly: Imagine that you are Thai and poor, as most people in this country still are. Imagine that you are aware of your social position, as most poor Thais are, and that you are educated and understand the complexities and hidden meanings of political life of your country, which most Tha is do not. You have basically two alternatives if suicide or emigration is not the option: to support the outrageously elitist aristocracy and the army (many of whose members now paint themselves

Star Appliance Company Essay Example for Free

Star Appliance Company Essay The methods that could be used to determine the cost of capital of Star Appliance Company would be to calculate the cost of equity of the company and then using that in finding another discount (hurdle) rate. Being that the currently used discount rate of 10 percent has been used since the company’s first years before the depression it should be recalculated in order to get a more appropriate discount rate in the time of the decision of for the dishwasher, trash compacter, or the food disposal. After increasing the discount rate to a more appropriate percent for the current time, you would then want to reevaluate the net present value of the three proposed investments in order to determine which of the three should be chosen. Now that these values have been recalculated with the newer discount rate, it can be determined that both the dishwasher and the trash compactor would be the best investment decisions for Star Appliance Company. This is because at the higher discount rate, these both still have positive net present values along with a higher internal rate of return than the new discount rate. These would prove best for the company’s investments where as the food disposal would be more costly to the firm. In the second half of the Star Appliance case (B), the given strategies would be in calculating dividend discount model, earnings/price model, and CAPM. Each of these models come about calculating things that are similar but different characteristics of the company can be represented by each different calculation. The current cost of capital that I calculated came to 11. 58%. The investment opportunities are now different than previous years for Star because now they are opening the chance for debt financing where as before they were 100 percent equity financed. It is because of this that they must calculate there newer cost of capital as compared to the original of 10 percent. Also, the investments made in the stock market are different than that of the company because the different betas used will result in different calculations for the stock market and for the company, as well as the various amount of different internal investing opportunities that Star could decide to do would also make for different investments. After going over the different circumstances the projects that Star should except would be the new grain dryer product. Although this project has more risk, the return on the project would be much greater than that of the refrigerator. This is also due to the different cost of capital from the years previous for Star as the more current at the time of the case. With newer investments in long-term debt, it amounts in different costs of capitals to the previous 0 debt 100 percent equity investments.

The Actual Cause Of The Hundred Years War

The Actual Cause Of The Hundred Years War The actual cause of the war was between France and England over who was the heir to the throne. (Which Throne?) After the death of Frances Charles lV, both France and England claimed the crown because Charles had left no direct successor. Edward lll, King of England, asserted that he in fact had a superior claim to the throne because his mother was Philip the Fairs daughter. This then, was one of the primary causes of the Hundred Years War. The economic conflict was clearly another cause of this great war. England had major financial interest in the wool industry in Flanders and France supported the Scots in their wars against England. England had much better troops, a more efficient government and thousands of English soldiers were more than willing to campaign in France, and get rich in the process. The Hundred Years War is broken up into three stages or phases. The first lasted until the signature of the Treaty of Bretigny in 1360(1337-1360). The second phase lasted from 1360-1413 when Henry V became king, and the third phase lasted from 1413-1453. The first phase was marked by English victories in France and alliances with French feudal lords. The second phase was marked by English inactivity and French raids keeping The English on the defensive. The third phase began with major and dramatic English victories but ended in defeat and Englands nearly complete withdrawal from France. The entire war is just a series of on and off warfare against France and England, from(1337-1453). The war was nothing more than sieges, raids, sea and land battles, and long periods truce. The counts of Flanders were vassals to the king of France, but the English saw Flanders as their major center for their foreign trade due to its cloth manufacture. The English also controlled southern France after Eleanor of Aquitaine married King Henry ll in the mid 12th century. Therefore the French were allies with the Scots to control a northern stronghold, called the Auld Alliance. The two countries also fought over the English channel and the north sea. In 1337, King Phillip Vl of France moved his troops to the English control of Aquitaine. In 1340, the English won a major naval victory at Sluys. King Edward lll then declared himself King of France. In 1346, the English forces defeated the French at Crecy, and then in 1347, the English captured Calais. In 1350, John ll became King of France after Philip Vl died. In 1356 when the English defeated the French at Poitiers King John ll was captured. He died in 1346. IN 1360, the Treaty of Bretigny was signed, giving the English complete control of Aquitaine and ending the first phase of the long war. As the war dragged on the English lost land and money causing the English peasants to revolt in 1381. After the Treaty of Troyes in 1420, King Henry V was recognized as heir to the French throne. Then in 1427 after both Henry V and Charles V died Henry Vl was heir to the throne despite being an infant. After the war, the English lost focus on controlling continental territory and began to strengthen its maritime supremacy. The most significant result was that the nobility and secular leaders were busy fighting each other at a time when western Europe desperately needed leadership. Each side had their advantages. Henry V was a master of siege warfare, allowing for major English victories. Towns ere encircled by protective forts. Attack methods included blockades, digging tunnels, and catapults used to hurl rocks, flaming arrows, and filth into the air. The siege cannon, used after 1400, led to the end of the castle and fort. Sea battles involved 20-50 castle like ships. Generally, the English won on the sea. French had a population around 16,000,000 far richer and populous than England. At one point, the French fielded an army of over 50,000 compared to the Britains who maybe mustered up 32,000. In almost every engagement the English were outnumbered. Britains most successful strategies were avoiding pitched battles, engaging in quick, profitable raids, steal what you can and destroy everything else. The use of the English defensive positions was the use of the longbow. The arrows could penetrate an inch of wood or the armor of a Knight at 200 yards. A longbow could also be fired more rapidly, and was affective than a crossbow. Henry landed in Normandy intending on taking Calais, having 2,000 infantry and 6,000 archers and some primitive cannon. His drive was blocked by many heavily armored French knight who obviously forgot the lessons of Crecy and Poitiers. The war brought about dissimilar results for the French and the English. Both countries saw an increase in their monarchial rule, it was due to different reasons. England couldnt hold on in France and effectively rule the burden was too great. U nlike France, over the course of the war England also experienced a strengthening of the parliament. The French on the other hand experienced a increase in monarchial authority due to the peoples recognition and complaints with the feudal systems shortcomings, including its limitations in fighting and protection of the serfs. The eventual expulsion of the English and the consolidation of the kingdom made France one of the greatest counties during this time period.

Prejudice Runs Deep in To Kill A Mockingbird Essay -- Kill Mockingbird

Prejudice Runs Deep in To Kill A Mockingbird    To Kill A Mockingbird takes place in small town Maycomb, Alabama, a depression era town where people move slowly and twenty-four hours seems longer.   The narrator of the story is a six-year-old girl named Jean Louise Finch, a tomboy who hates wearing dresses and goes by the nickname "Scout."   Scout's being a tomboy is of no little significance because while we are treated to a sweet and affectionate portrayal of Maycomb at the novel's opening, we will find it is a town where racial prejudice, hostility and ignorance run deep below the surface.   Not only are the majority of the townspeople prejudiced against blacks, maintaining a feeling of superiority to the whole of their race, but there are also well-defined social roles based on gender.   To Kill A Mockingbird reflects many themes, but three of the most significant ones are courage, prejudice, and education.   Through characterization and behavior the author demonstrates the connection of these themes as crucial for manifesting real humanity within individuals.   Education and courage produce a higher level of humanity in human behavior, particularly because they allow individuals to walk in the skins of other people before judging them.   Education and courage allow for a neutralization of prejudice because they lend a broader understanding to the individual concerning others.   Atticus, the father of Scout and Jem (Jeremy Finch), often teaches the lessons of education and courage to his children.   Atticus' brand of courage and education is different than that of most people's in the town.   Atticus' brand of courage disdains the use of guns, as we see when he refuses to use one to protect Tom Robinson (a black man accused of... ...th, as surely as mockingbirds are shot because they are considered "ugly."   Education and courage allow individuals to manifest a level of humanity that is color blind and does not criticize or judge based on circumstantial evidence or before walking in the skin of another.   In the author's view the type of justice and social conditions that exist in Maycomb, Alabama, are, mirroring the words of Jem after the guilty verdict for Tom, not right "It ain't right" (Lee, 1960, 214).   Prejudice and discrimination run rampant underneath the seemingly sweet and affectionate portrayal of Maycomb at the novel's outset.   It is these two elements that will unjustly condemn an innocent man to death, two elements Lee considers a sin as surely as Atticus views killing a mockingbird as sinful. Works Cited Lee, H.   (1960).   To Kill A Mockingbird.   New York, Warner Books, Inc.

Alexander Hamilton Essay -- essays research papers

1. Tittle: The Reports of Alexander Hamilton 2. Author: Jacob E., Cooke 3. What kind of childhood did this person have? Alexander Hamilton had a rough and tough childhood. Born on the West Indian Island of Nevis as the illegitimate son of James Hamilton (a Scottish trader) and Rachel Faucett Lavien. Hamilton underwent a lot as a child. He had to face his mother's death at the age of twelve and his dad's bankruptcy, which forced him to go live with some folks that accepted to take him in. 4. What kind of education? Born to a poor family, Hamilton never had the opportunity to engage in any educational practice while still living with his parents. It wasn't until he moved into the counting home of David Beckman and Nicholas Cruger at saint Croix where he exhibited a precocious ability to comprehend the complexities of commerce and accounting. As time went on, he was later able to enroll at a grammar school at Elizabeth, in New Jersey (1772-1774) and then entered King's College (Today Columbus University). 5. Who raised this person? Hamilton lived with his parents up to the age of twelve. He then moved with David Beckman and Nicholas Cruger at Saint Croix. They took care of Hamilton as if they were his real folks until the age of 23 which is when he married Elizabeth Schuyler, daughter of General Philip John Schuyler, a member of an influential New York family. 6. Who inspired of influenced this person? Hamilton inspired himself. Hi...

The Great Saljuq Sultanate :: essays research papers

The Great Saljuq Sultanate! Although the Turks had played an important role in the Islamic world, before the 11th century, the arrival of the Saljuq Turks marks a new era in Islamic history. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of the Saljuq Turks’ in Islam. In doing so, the paper will be divided in two parts. The first part will present the historical background of the arrival of the Saljuqs and their participation in Islamic politics. The second part will discuss the contribution of the Saljuq administrative system to Islamic politics. Turks had been participating in the Islamic politics well before the 11th century. For example, the Mamluks and the Ghaznawids were from Turkish origin. What made the Saljuqs distinct from these earlier Turks is how they have penetrated Islamic politics. Before the 11th century, Mamluks and the Ghaznawids were slaves recruited as individuals and took power from inside. However, the Saljuqs came in as organized tribal groups and conquered the Persia and much of the border lands.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Saljuq conquest marked the beginning of Turkish rule in Persia. This rule arguably lasted until 1925. In 426/1035, the Saljuq brothers Toghril Beg and Chaghri Beg led the Saljuq tribe to move into Khurasan. The brothers battled against the Ghaznawids to take over Khurasan. According to the course reader, the Khurasan population accepted the Saljuq rule just as they had earlier accepted the Ghaznawids. Five years later the Ghaznawids regrouped and waged war against the Saljuqs. The Ghaznawids were defeated and never came back. The Beg brothers ruled together until the death of Chaghri Beg in 452/1060. Morgan notes that this shared power between the two brothers was â€Å"in accordance with the Turkish conception of the nature of political sovereignty, which the Saljuqs had brought with them from central Asia.† After they had defeated the Ghaznawids from Khurasan, the brothers perceived that their major threat was the Buyids in western Persia and Iraq. It did not take long for the Saljuqs to eliminate the Buyids from Persia and Iraq. Toghril conquered Baghdad in 447/1055 and restored the Sunni rule. Consequently, Caliph Qa’im granted the title of Sultan on Toghril. Although the Buyids and the Caliph coexisted in Baghdad, their relationship was not based on the Caliph’s consent. The Buyids knew that most of their subjects in Baghdad were Sunni and half of their army were of Turkish origin whom may ally with the Sunnis.

The Hollow Men Analysis

â€Å"We are the Hollow Men, We are the stuffed men† In this poem by T. S. Elliot, he uses symbolism, mixed with a quick tempo at the beginning, moving to a slower one at the end to describe how a man’s life generally goes by. In the early stages of a man’s life, he is constantly being filled with information and qualities that society deems necessary and desirable. He will spend no time dwelling on the innermost insecurities that we, as humans, all have. He is a Hollow Man. As we go through the motions of life, we rarely spend time in our early years to contemplate and delve into the insecurities and emotions, the thoughts and feelings that make us who we are. We are content being ignorant to the deeper things; the things that make us think about the greater workings of the Universe, and the smaller workings of ourselves. We know those things exist; we simply don’t want to hear them, because, as we’ve all heard at one time or another, ignorance is bliss. â€Å"Eyes I dare not meet in dreams† As we move further into the journey of life, we begin to understand that something is missing. We begin to come to the realization that there are things about ourselves we don’t want to know. We are ashamed that we have gone this long, and have not sought out the greater meaning we inherently know is there. We know we’ve done wrong, but don’t want to face it. We fear what we will discover about ourselves. It is easier to look in a mirror and see your reflection just as being your reflection, and not contemplate the person you see. It is easy to say â€Å"This person has blonde hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. † It is difficult to say â€Å"This person has feelings, beliefs, insecurities, and a deeper meaning. â€Å"At the hour when we are Trembling with tenderness Lips that would kiss Form prayers to broken stone. † This stanza represents how at the end, we know that our lives of passion, where we have done nothing for a greater purpose than for our own personal comfort and entertainment, were insignificant. We know, maybe for the first time, that there was more to living than just existing. We know that we are nothing, and that we have nothing. We know that we are coming to the end, and we are willing to do anything to keep that end from coming. We pray, and beg, and plead, just wanting a chance to have done something truly worthwhile. â€Å"This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends Not with a bang, but a whimper. † When that final end comes, it will not be in some grand event of chaos and hellfire, It will be much worse. It will be a personal revelation that what you have done did not matter. It will come as a quiet, internal battle, with nobody there to console you but yourself. You will have to face your life with a new sense of understanding that only comes with the end.