The Human Race: A Species at the Crossroads: - The Bomb under the World

 

This film is one that seeks to promote the idea that it is essential for human beings to change the manner through which they interact with the environment or they will inevitably face extinction. It shows the manner through which the global economy has become so dependent on industry as well as a culture of consumerism that the human relationship with the environment has essentially been overlooked. Furthermore, the increase in the gap between the rich and poor in society is also addressed with India being used as an example. India is a developing country yet a considerable part of its population suffers from poverty. This is exemplified through the depiction of a poor Indian woman carrying water on her head in the traditional manner yet walking on a giant pipe that delivers water to the wealthier members of her society (Volkmer & Dyer, 2010). This example is essential in showing the manner through which the culture of consumerism has essentially severed the social bonds that existed between the various members of society and created a situation where purchasing power has come to define the way that individuals interact with one another. Therefore, this film is an important watch because it allows the audience to gain a perspective concerning the relationship between humans and the environment, on one hand, and the relationship between humans in their society and the divisions that have come about because of the development of the consumer culture. It helps in showing the course that is being taken by developing countries in a bid to achieve the same status as their developed counterparts.

Chinese and Middle Eastern Relations

 

The twenty first century has seen a considerable increase in the economic and political influence wielded by China all over the world. This has especially been the case in resource-rich regions, which have essentially become its target because China is one of the largest consumers of raw materials. As the second largest economy in the world, China has sought to capitalize on its position to ensure that it advances both its national and strategic agendas through the attainment of the support of other countries. The attitude and approach adopted by this country towards others has been pragmatic, with the aim of focusing on economic matters rather than politics.

There are several questions that come about because of the potential of China becoming one of the most influential countries in the world in future. Among these is the direction which its relations with Middle Eastern countries will take especially in the wake of a decline in American influence in the region. In addition, there will be need to find out the manner through which China’s megaprojects, such as the Silk Road, which will encompass a considerable part of the Middle East, will affect its relationship with the countries in the region. In order to answer these questions, it will be essential to conduct a study of the developments that have taken place in China’s relations with countries in the Middle East over the years, and the direction towards which they will be heading in future.

The main argument of the paper will be that the role of China in the Middle East will increase considerably over time and that it will be one of the most influential powers in the region. This is based on the assumption that as the United States essentially scales down its influence; China will step in to fill the vacuum. The manner through which the ongoing Gulf Crisis has been handled by the United States has shown its waning influence in the region because it has failed to put its allies in line. China, on the other hand, is a country that will likely diversify from its energy dependency on the region, and instead seek to build bilateral relations with Middle Eastern countries in such a way that there is mutual benefit. Chinese investment is likely to increase, especially considering that some of the oil producers in the region are diversifying their interests in order to survive a decline in export revenues.

The main sources of support for this study will come from a review of the most recent literature concerning the Middle East and China and the way that their relationship has and continues to develop. The analysis of the literature will ensure that there is the development of a perspective concerning the future relations between Middle Eastern countries and China that are apart from the energy trade. It will seek to show that China’s influence in the Middle East is just beginning and that in time, it will become one of the major players in the region.

Alexander the Great

 

Alexander the Great is one of the most famous figures in the ancient world and this is especially the case considering that he was not only a monarch, but also a conqueror. The achievements of this individual are further enhanced because he died at the prime of his life when he was expected to have continued his massive conquests. In this paper, there will be an attempt to address the reasons behind Alexander being called the Great, and these include his ambition, his being a conqueror, and finally, his being one of the undefeated generals in history.

One of the most significant reasons behind Alexander being called the Great was that he was extremely ambitious. This is because despite having taken the Macedonian throne at the age of twenty, he was an individual who saw beyond Macedonia and Greece in general. His father, Philip, said to Alexander “….you must find a kingdom big enough for your ambitions. Macedonia is too small for you” (Gergel, 2004, p.5).

The result was that he was inspired to ensure that he undertook one of the biggest military projects in his age through his attempt to confront the greatest power of the time, the Persian Empire. It is this ambition that led him to achieve the greatness that has come to be associated with his from that time onwards.

Alexander the Great’s claim to greatness also came about because he was a conqueror. His conquests were among the most significant in the ancient world because they ensured that Greek or Hellenistic culture came about because of them. In addition, Alexander confronted one of the greatest military machines of the time, that of the Persian Empire, and ended up defeating it with his much lesser resources. His conquest of the Persian Empire not only brought it under his control, but it essentially brought an end to the empire that had been founded by Cyrus the Great. One of his companions is said to have commented that “The conqueror takes over the possessions of the conquered and they should be called his” (Gergel, 2004, p.50).

Another claim to fame for Alexander was that he was one of the undefeated generals of his time. His undefeated streak was a testament to his brilliant generalship and this was to such an extent that he managed to conquer the largest empire in the world at the time within a decade. The way that he led his armies to conquest, especially considering that he was always at the forefront of battle, ensured the loyalty of his soldiers, and these more often than not fought harder for him.

In conclusion, Alexander the Great was able to capture the imagination, not only of his own people, but also those of his contemporaries, to such an extent that he was able to advance his ambitions of conquest. His being undefeated was considered to have been based on his being favored by the gods, and this was the reason why he ended up being worshipped. Thus, Alexander attained his greatness because of his actions as one the greatest conquerors as well as undefeated generals in history.