Compare and Contrast Liberal and Realist Views of International Law Essay

Compare and Contrast Liberal and Realist Views of International Law - Essay Example This view led to creation of international law which provides a framework that guide international relationship. International relations theories address various concerns of countries. This paper intends to compare and contrast realist and liberalist views of international law. Political realists argue in favor of their nation in terms of its security, social reconstructions, and moral concern while political liberalists argue in favor of international cooperation (Claude & Weston, 2006:122). Security concern is a factor that affects national interests and international interests. It is apparent that political stability of a nation depends on the security measures in place. An instant of insecurity drag political gains and economic endeavors of a country. However, debate on security drags both realists and liberalists into explaining their views to international laws. Realists believe that a state has to strive to achieve state security through all possible means (Claude & Weston, 20 06:126). For instance, during the 9/11 bombing realists gave their response to international terrorism by arguing that the state should refocus on probable sources of its insecurity and that the state should handle non-state actors who are violent as proxies for national interest (Portmann, 2010:70). In this view, high state organs believed that non-state sponsors had a role in creating the infamous attack. In response to the attack, the realists focused their security actions to states they perceived as rogues i.e. nations that supported the actions of the insurgent groups (Portmann, 2010:69). Realists felt the threat posed by these countries and decided to wage war on terrorism in these countries. This justified the move made by United States to wage war on Iraq and Afghanistan. Liberalist contrasts the realist view of international law by favoring the interest of non-state actors (D’Aspremont, 2011:6). It is evident that liberals endow non-state players with agency and aut onomy. For instance, liberals believe that distribution of power does not only remain at state level, but also embeds it to entities such as NGO and international institutions (D’Aspremont, 2011:12). Liberals have taken a centre stage role in advocating for independent groups as forces that need recognition in the international politics. At the international scene, liberals argue that power is a multidimensional tool in which emphasis should be on soft power in addition to economic and military power. This argument makes the liberalist support international activities in contrasts to the interests of the realists. The use of soft power intends to eliminate conflicts, which drag international politics. For instance, the adoption of dialogue as a means of seeking a lasting solution to conflicts is a manifestation of using soft power in brokering interest of various countries. In the international politics, recognition of political realism is a concept of interest vested in term s of power (Neack, 2003:77). The motive behind each state behavior is power, which is either military power or potential power (assets). The means used by states to seek power vary because some states are weak while others are strong. However, power change from time to time. For instance, French military power dominated continent Europe in the early 1800s, but shifted in 1814 following the defeat of French military (Neack, 2003:78). Largely, realist perspective looks at state as

The Role of Civil Engineering Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Role of Civil Engineering - Research Paper Example Finally, I will attempt to examine the future of civil engineering and connect it with some aspects of my life and the world. What Civil Engineers Do â€Å"Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of a variety of structures. They work on bridges, dams, tunnels, highways, airstrips, water supply and sewage systems and other structures† (Ferguson 128). Basically, civil engineering is the branch of engineering that is responsible for the building of structures in a given society. Civil engineering ensures that appropriate housing and infrastructure are set up to support the population of a given community. Civil engineering involves numerous activities that are connected to the building of these structures. There are structural matters which involve the evaluation of land/environment and analysis of the most appropriate structure that could be set up in that area. This involves various forms of scientific measurements like surveying and calculations which provides an overview of what and how a given building or structure could be set up in a given place. Water resource engineering is another aspect of civil engineering. This involves the use of science and principles of engineering to build structures that will enable the society to benefit from these water resources or reduce their disruption. The former involves the building of dams and irrigation systems to ensure that water resources are used for the optimum results of the society. The latter involves the creation of dykes and canals to ensure that human beings can be protected from the effects of waterbodies and have good and productive social and commercial lives. Another aspect of civil engineering is construction. Construction involves the building of houses and other commercial structures that are meant to provide shelter for people. This involves the scientific use of building materials to provide the best of services. Transport infrastructure is another important aspect of civil engi neering. Civil engineering leads to the creation of roads, bridges and harbors to ensure that people can move from one point to the other in the most convenient way. Also, environmental optimization is an important component of civil engineering. Civil engineers play â€Å"... two main roles: building/managing infrastructure and sustaining environmental resources† (Grigg 2). This means that the civil engineer is trained to set up structures that are sensitive to the natural environment and the natural habitat. This means that they have a responsibility to build structures that provide the best options for humans as well as other living organisms like plants, animals and fishes. In practice, civil engineers are involved in estimating construction costs and specifying materials to be used. They prepare surveys and apply scientific knowledge to building. Benefits of Civil Engineering to the World In each generation, civil engineers design products, processes and systems and inco rporate technology (Crawley et al 7). Historically, people have always wanted to improve their lives by building settlements to create fulfilling lives. This desire led to the establishment of the first human settlements. The earliest settlements used contemporary technology to design and build structures that provided the kind of livelihood that they wanted. Elements of civil engineering was used in each of these generations. The earliest roles of