The Salt Trade essays

The Salt Trade essays The word 'Hall', often found in contemporary Austrian place-names or geographical features, is derived from the ancient word for salt. (Zronik 14) Beginning in the 7th century BC, one of the main regions of Celtic occupation was in modern-day Austria, centred around Hallstatt, a large prehistoric salt-mining area. The Hallstatt period, 750 - 450 B.C., is named after this region. Hallstatt is the location where most of the extensive and comprehensive finds pertaining to the early Iron Age were discovered. (Schutz 191) Salt was a highly desirable commodity at the time, and the Hallstatt culture took advantage of the salts high value by establishing a salt trade. There are two main components in any trading system; exports and imports. The Hallstatt culture exported salt, and imported such items as pottery, jewelley, weapons, and gold. The salt trade resulted in increased wealth for the Hallstatt culture while the imported goods carried along cultural influences. The various influences came from all around Europe, but most notably the Greeks, the Italians, the Mediterranean. With the current weather conditions at the time, the value of salt was extremely high. With salt having such a high value, the salt trade led to a stratification of society, as the rulers of the salt trade became wealthy. The economic basis of the Hallstatt culture focused on the mining and distribution of rock salt. During the early Iron Age there was an increased demand for salt. The demand was attributed to the dry weather which lasted from 700 to 500 B.C. The salt trade was motivated by the need for the increase in the dietary use of salt to prevent dehydration. Also salt was valuable for preserving meats during the winter. The salt trade was of great economic importance to the Hallstatt culture as suggested by the difficulty in the mining of salt. With the tools available to the salt miners of Hallstatt they could advance into the rock at a rate of 1 met...

The International Court Of Jus essays

The International Court Of Jus essays The International Court of Justice (ICJ), located in the Netherlands, is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. The ICJ serves as a court of international law, with Judges hearing various disputes between states and delivering a judgement. It also serves to offer advisory opinions to groups such as the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. Since its founding in 1946, the ICJ has dealt with more than 50 cases between states and has also delivered over 20 advisory opinions. It has a mixed record of successes and failures, with a surprisingly high degree of compliance with the verdict. This paper surveys the history, structure, and criticisms of the International Court of Justice. The ICJ was founded in 1946 after World War Two. However, the Hague, where the ICJ resides, has been a host to international courts since 1899. The Hague Peace Conference of 1899 established the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Permanent Court of Arbitration was not just used to settle matters through Arbitration, but used occasionally used other pacific methods, like good office and mediation. The court officially began operating in 1902, but went through some revisions after a second Hague Peace Conference in 1907. A few years latter the court would move into the Peace Palace, that was built as a gift from steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie. The Permanent Court of Arbitration made many strides in international law. It still functions to this day, independent of other international organizations (History, 3). After the First World War, the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) was formed within the frame work of the League of Nations in 1920. It shared residency of the peace palace with the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The PCIJ operated smoothly, for about twenty years. The court fled Norway at the start of World War Two. The judges vowed to return and make another court again. After World War Two, with the establishme...

ICJ case Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

ICJ case - Assignment Example The Security Council can only seek the ICJ’s opinion regarding a certain case or decision (Angehr, 1017). This means that Abrocanto’s idea of demonstrating that the ICJ has a right of review is nullified. Ralivia is right since the Security Council has already passed the required resolutions on the matter. ICJ has the same rights as the Security Council and can only provide possible opinions, but only if the opinion is requested by the Security Council (Schweigman). Concerning the review over the Security Council’s actions in general, the role of ICJ in exercising review over the actions of the Security Council has remained unclear for many years. The has been initiated by the need of ICJ to rule according to international law on those disputes treated in the political process of the General Assembly and Security Council (Matheson). Essentially, the ICJ should hardly the roles of the other UN political organs in the course of maintaining international security. Being the principle organ of the UN according to article 92 does not make it to have absolute right over the other organs. The actions of the Security Council are thus independent of the ICJ (Schweigman, 31). Regarding matters of international peace and security in particular, the ICJ has the right to review the actions of the Security Council. The question of ICJ review of the Security Council regarding international matters can be established through the Lockerbie case 1, which was before the International Court of Justice for more than a decade (Angehr, 1007). The case dismissal in 2003 without any decision raised questions about judicial review regarding the UN major political organs and the decisions made. The review of the Security Council by the ICJ was the main agenda. The Security Council had sought a resolution urging Libya to turn over the required

The Perils of Business Process Outsourcing Essay

The Perils of Business Process Outsourcing - Essay Example Business organizations are often attracted by the prospects of lowering operation and administrative costs by looking for low-wage workforce to take in their processes. Managers also argue that BPO is a "management tool" which "frees companies to build upon their core competencies by leaving the non-core stuff to providers" (Banham 1). However, the above presumptions about BPO are myopic as they fail to recognize the costs associated with leaving the companies' processes to lower paid third world workers. First, as companies try to find less costly resources, the labor market in the home country usually suffers because of massive lay-off. It is also irrefutable that BPOs, like call centers, does more harm than advantage. Take Dell for instance which have always been regarded for its excellent customer service. This recognition for the company has been eroded due to the fact that India's customer agents often lack the knowledge and skill necessary to service customers (Dell Admits Indian Mistake). For these reasons, I believe that business process outsourcing is more detrimental than beneficial. Companies planning to outsource should rethink and weigh both quantitative and qualitative aspects of BPO. Banham, Russ. "Cut to the Core-Business Process Outsourcing-Statistical Data Included." CFO:Magazine for Senior Financial Executives. Oct. 2001.

South East Asian Financial Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

South East Asian Financial Crisis - Essay Example Its primary function was to develop economic growth, social progress and cultural development. National resilience refers to all aspects of nation building - social, cultural, economic, ideological and political. It deals with security of nation emerging from the strength of national building. The member countries are ready to neglect short term losses in favor of long term achievements and friendships. ASEAN practice non-interference. It does not mean that the countries are indifferent to one another or close their eyes on member countries. The countries refrain from criticizing the other countries but support them in all their needs. In some ASEAN countries economic development has been given preference over income distribution and employment creation. This has resulted in poverty and income disparities existing along with economic growth. The creation of ASEAN was politically motivated. Its initial objective was to promote harmony among member nations as most of the nations were under security threat. Economic integration was the next priority. ASEAN Free Trade Area was to be formed in 2003 comprising all the 10 South East Asian countries. AFTA was earlier established in 1992 as a political and economic entity. The objective of ASEAN Standing Committee (ASC) is to ensure peace in the region and live in harmony respecting the geographic and historical boundary. (Hank, Lim (2005), Regional trade agreements and conflict: the case of Southeast Asia, available at, http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-132673-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html ) The countries thought that free trade would benefit their economy. It was decided that zero tariffs should be the ultimate goal of AFTA. Originally, only Singapore was in favor of a free zone. Obviously, because, unlike other countries, it is without natural resources and is an export based entrepot economy. The motive behind the formation of AFTA was to attract foreign investments. But AFTA started running into problems right from the beginning itself. That is because some countries were more interested in protecting their domestic industries. AFTA has been considered as a developmental form of regionalism unlike open regionalism which is for globalization. In fact it is between open regionalism and resistance regionalism which tries to protect industries from globalization. However it is closer to open regionalism. Though almost all the countries were in favor of a free zone, at least some of them were against their home industries with high economic status being put at risk. For e xample, rice in Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia and sugar in Indonesia and Philippines. Automobile industry is bound to suffer because of lack of tariff protection. Singapore is likely to suffer because of the unwillingness of ASEAN countries to accept AFTA. Singapore backs up not only APEC but also WTO. Creation of growth triangular natural economic territories also establishes security of economy. Apart from that they ensure political stability and friendliness between nations. It is being pointed that some of the members of the triangles were bitter enemies in the past. ASEAN has been successful in reducing conflicts among its member nations. AFTA went a step further by going for lower tariffs, which would boost intra regional trade and cement better relationship among

Critical Review of Skin Deep Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Review of Skin Deep - Essay Example The blind date arranged for a wedding ceremony comically highlights the many difficulties both sisters are currently experiencing in their lives and relationships. The opening scene of the play shows the two sisters discussing their relational challenges and trying to defend their outward displays of everything going well. The married sister is named Sheila Whiting, and is played by Micahla Vaccaro. Sheila discusses her marriage and the multiple plastic surgeries she has undergone in order to remain looking young for her successful lawyer husband. The un-married sister is named Maureen Mulligan, and is played by Missy Lane. Maureen tries to carry on her dull and romantically enigmatic existence due to her issues with her weight. Acting as debutant and matchmaker, Mrs. Vaccaro tries to convince her husband to set her sister up on a blind date for an upcoming wedding. The husband character, named Squire Whiting and played by Bill Krause, plays along and accepts the responsibility of being a matchmaker. As revealed later in play, Mr. Whiting feels affection and respect for his sister-in-law, which almost creates a scandal. When all the characters realize the truth by witnessing a simple hug between the husband and sister-in-law, the relational tension that has built up for many years is released. Mrs. Lane is able to resolve her low self-image with the reality that someone does find her attractive, despite her weight and increasing age. Joe Spinelli, who was set up on a blind date with Maureen, is a simple and realistic man by trade. Played by Barry Chambers, Joe is an honest character who felt attraction to Maureen but remained conservative. Mr. Whiting and Mrs. Vaccaro came to the understanding that plastic surgery was not necessary, because he loves his wife just the way she is. The set-up date creates a sexual innuendo that reminds each character that they are attracted to each other. However, the dialogues between the characters remained predicta ble and contrived. Some of the scenes were lengthy and the outcomes were understood before the conclusion was revealed. The casting was age-appropriate and helped the audience to understand that everyone was experiencing a comedic mid-life crisis. My favorite actor, Mr. Chambers, was very spontaneous and quite realistic in his gesturing. The sexual sparing that occurs between him and Maureen invokes the idea of our own parents trying to date and relate to each other while maintaining a public front. My least favorite character was the married sister. Mrs. Vaccaro seemed too stiff and her use of voice and responses seemed overly rehearsed. Although the actress was apparently feeling physically ill during that particular production, her voice was difficult to hear and did not convincingly portray a married socialite who had received too much plastic surgery. Her husband, the lawyer, was not very convincing until the very last scene, and could have interacted more with his wife. The sc enic design of the play created a neutral environment through which many interactions could occur. The stage was set as a modern, though slightly dated, apartment that allowed the actors to engage with many set props and lighting styles. The doorway, elevated from the stage, created a good use of dramatic space with the

Modern Society Essay Example for Free

Modern Society Essay Modern society which is very complex and often contradictory has its origin in the ancient times as far back as 4000 years ago. Deeply rooted in spirituality, yet having equal attraction towards materialism, sometimes leading to unethical behaviour, inclination and commitment towards science, logic and reason, yet superstitious practices are rampant. Untouchability has been constitutionally abolished and caste and community based discrimination banned, its practice is common and it is a major tool of vote-bank politics in India. Thus, Indian society presents a contradictory picture and can be seen in the perspective of a society in the process of continued change or flux. Social change is a broader term which implies change in infrastructure, facilities and their distribution, change in thought, attitude and behaviour of the people, change in faith, culture, tradition and living styles, etc. Change is a natural inevitable process which continues in every age and will continue to happen even in future. Social infrastructure, cultural, attitudinal and behavioural changes do not remain static. They continuously change with the passage of time. It is the result of this natural process of change that life underwent sea change from the Stone Age to the Computer Age. Social change basically constitutes a transformation at all level of thought, behaviour and action that does not presuppose either a strict positive or negative impact. In fact, the impact cannot be confined to one direction only. Indeed the change has both positive and negative impact which may lead the society towards progress or regression. Social change is not a sudden process. It is a gradual process which takes lots of time to happen. Neither is it the result of any single factor. It is the result of so many factors which include demographic, technological, political, economic, cultural and legal. Generally, social conflict, growth and expansion and knowledge and scientific and technological advancement lead to social change. Indeed, the research and advancement in the field of science and technology bring about a change in the outlook of society. Besides, the demographic factors also contribute to social change. Rising population, rampant illiteracy, housing and health problems, large-scale migration, etc. all have a bearing on social climate. Rapid industrialisation resulting in economic development and urbanisation has brought about the growth of slums in urban areas as well as a great disparity in the standard of living. After independence, the country with the help of fundamental rights tried to bridge the social gap by providing right to equality to all its citizens and abolished untouchability. No doubt, it has a positive effect on society. It has brought about a decline in social discrimination and reduced the exploitation of the poor. Cultural factors like Sanskritisation, i. e. the process explaining the upward mobility of a sub-caste group in a caste hierarchy, traditional attitudes and customs of the people. Law is also an important tool to bring about social change. In the post-independence era, the Indian Government has taken numerous measures that concern society. The Constitution refuses to recognise the distinctions of religion, sect, caste, sex, etc. in the matter of the opportunities of civil life. It has largely mitigated a number of social evils resulting from the pluralisitc nature of Indian society with regard to religion and caste. Freedom of belief as a Fundamental Right has made religion a personal choice rather than its earlier compulsive and all- pervasive nature for a family or a group. Endogamous nature of casteism is now on the wane as intermarriage, and even inter- religious ones have been legalised. Reservations in jobs and freedom in the choice of vocations have encouraged vertical mobility of many families, irrespective of their caste and class affiliations. In short, laws play prominent role in social changes. Family, which has been almost universally considered the ideal and perfect living arrangement, and the backbone of social structure has undergone a transformation under the impact of industrialisation, urbanisation, spread of education, large-scale migration and other changes taking place in different spheres of life. Nuclear families have taken the place of joint family system. Common residence and property are being substituted by functional joint families, who fulfil their social obligations towards each other and come to help each other in their hours of need. Now old age is perceived with fear. This is rather recent phenomena. The old are now taken as a liability. Old age is viewed as an unavoidable, undesirable and problem-ridden phase of life. This is one of the gifts of modern life. In recent times, economic development and technological advancements have been rapid. They have an inevitable impact on social attitudes and values. This progress has led to the loss of cherished values. With enhanced earning, power and growing consumerism, the parents and children have altered their response to family life. The nature of parenting nd role of spouses have undergone sea change. Family bonds are eroding fast in society, it is particularly frequent in urban society where youngsters, in large numbers, migrate for studies or jobs, their parents, left alone, are faced with the problem of emotional loss and a fear of future. Economic independence has brought in its wake, individualism. In an economically independent society everybody wants to asse rt himself. A man wants his prominence in various spheres of life. He no longer likes to be ignored or undervalued. It has tremendously affected the woman. Now she wants her role in family and society as well. This is, in fact, a challenge to the traditional view of society that women as a class are inferior to men. However, her role in decision-making is assuming significance. Modern women are quite aware of their rights and privileges. At the same time social attitude towards women is also changing, though the process is slow. Today’s society is one of freedom and inquiry. In this age of individualism, authority is no longer unquestionably accepted by children. In this age of Information Technology, children are often more informal and aware than their parents. They no longer stand in awe of parents or any elderly persons. Human values and ethics have taken a backseat. Relations today are increasingly based on mercenary considerations. As a consequence, warmth and obligations have been lost in society. This, in a way, leads to conflict and confusion, adversely affecting family bonds or ties. Age old values of tolerance, hospitality, warmth of attachments, politeness and patience are fast fading out. However, some changes in society are pleasant and encouraging. Technological innovations have changed even the common people’s way of life. This change can be felt even at the village levels. The prevalence of superstitions and evil practices are no longer as frequent and common in society as they were during the pre-independence era. The accessibility of mass media has changed the village life also. The thinking behaviour and lifestyle of the villagers have tremendously changed. This exposure, though not always beneficial, has served to open Indian minds to receive new ideas and views. As a whole, the change on the mental level, has been slow, however, it is encouraging. Thus, at every level and in every sphere, Indian society is experiencing changes. The changes are more pronounced and noticeable in terms of dress, behaviour and egalitarianism while traditional beliefs, even if they are outdated and redundant, are practised and refuse to give up their hold on Indian society. Thus, the contradictory situations create confusion and sometimes lead to conflict. The prevailing anger and frustration arising out of inequality in development, loss of values accompanied by a greedy, grasping mercenary attitude, growing corruption on the part of authorities and the ‘elite’ find expression in the form of violent responses from the oppressed and the downtrodden. Several secessionist movements in different parts of the country are attributed to this retrogressive changes taking place in society. The change is inevitable in a dynamic society but it must be guided by some principles so as to ensure a better future and a progressive society in which everybody can enjoy his share in peace and prosperity. Besides people must be educated and enlightened enough to take its positive impact while ignoring the negatives for the betterment of individual as well as society.