People's Century: Killing Fields - Death on an Industrial Scale

 

This film makes an analysis of the role played by civilians in the First World War, and this is considering that they made up the greater part of the casualties of the war. As the first war that was fought on an industrial scale, the First World War involved the use of a considerable number of weapons and machinery that had never been used in any previous wars. Furthermore, the film shows that despite the conflict being between the militaries of the various countries participating, the industrial scale of the conflict meant that civilians also got involved as well. This was especially through the battles spilling into civilian areas and causing the deaths of millions of people by the end of the war. The film especially takes note of the Battles of Verdun and Somme, which were among the bloodiest in the war and led to the deaths of a large number of people (Jones, 2006). The subject of the film is highly incisive especially when it comes to the development of an understanding of the major events that took place during the First World War, and the manner through which the civilian population was affected by this conflict. Therefore, the audience is likely to learn a lot concerning the war on the ground and it will especially be interesting when it comes to the analysis of the way that industrial development led to the development of weapons of mass murder.

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.