The Realistic Theory of International Relations Research Paper

The Realistic Theory of International Relations - Research Paper Example Two options are available to the players in such a scenario. To gain power and to survive, countries can attack and capture other areas ruthlessly as Napoleon and Hitler did. The other option is to see that a balance of power is maintained. This can be done by diplomatic relations, alliances or by force. Bilateral trade agreements, aid to other countries are examples of diplomatic relations. NATO and the European Union are examples of alliances. There was a time when the US and the USSR were the two balancing powers of the world. The US attacked and also supplied arms to Vietnam fearing that the spread of communism in the country and other places may shift the balance of power in favour of the USSR. It would be effective to define realism at this point. A Cambridge University Press publication defines realism in three steps. An instance where this theory does not hold good or becomes ineffective is the case of terrorism. Terrorism is practically invisible even if countries who abet t errorists are identified. The terrorists do not come to the negotiating table nor do they work in visible organized structures. If the opponent is not available for negotiations or to fight with, it is not possible to think of survival or strength. A country may be hit by a terrorist attack at any time. Security becomes practically ineffective if suicide attacks are resorted to by the terrorists. Even a strong nation like the US can be shocked by attacks such as the September 11 suicide attacks on the Twin Towers. But there is practically nothing that can be effectively done by any country in such a situation. The US attacked Iraq and set up a new administration.

Islamic Rules Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Islamic Rules - Essay Example There are two major sources of this law in the religion of Islam. The first source is the Quran where there are laws that are indicated therein, that govern individuals in the religion of Islam. The second example is an example set by Prophet Muhammad in Sunnah. The sharia law has official status where leaders have different responsibilities basing on their positions of leadership. Shariah has been divided into five main branches which are: Crime and chastisement Economic system Family relations External relations and other relations as well. Bequest and disposal of possessions. There are various rules and regulations that are supposed to be followed by the Muslims in which if not. They are punishable by this same law. This gives a clear impression that they have to do what is expected of them at the right time, place and with the right people. This is to make certain that they show respect to their God just like other religions do. In the contemporary society, Muslims stick to their law making sure that they follow all the rule and regulations to avoid breaking the law. Generally in the Islam religion, there are five major pillars of rules and regulations that all of them are supposed to adhere to no matter what position of leadership they have in their religious hierarchy. All Muslims are following the five pillars because these pillars are the most important parts in Islam religion. According to Islam 101 â€Å"The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life. The five pillars include: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophet hood of Muhammad Establishment of the daily prayers Concern for and almsgiving to the needy Self-purification through fasting The pilgrimage to Makah and this is especially for those who are able. In other words, the five pillars involve declaring that Allah is GOD and Mohammad is GOD’s messenger, doing prayers on time, alms â€Å"Zakat† giving poor Muslims food, money and so on f or Muslims who are able to do the Zakat, fasting Ramadan, and doing pilgrimage â€Å"Hajj† for Muslims who can do the Hajj. It is strongly believed that if there is any Muslim doesn’t do these five pillars, he or she will not go to heaven unless Allah forgives them since Allah is the source of forgiveness for them. This essay seeks to explain how these laws are implemented in the contemporary Islam religion. Since there are many rules and regulations to be followed, this essay will major on the economic laws, marriage laws and the dress codes. These are the three issues that this essay will cover, explaining how these laws are implemented in the contemporary society, in the Islam religion. Looking at the first issue of discussion under the sharia law which is economics law, there are various rules and regulations that govern the Muslim religion for them to live as expected and carry out activities that are able to make the economy better than how it is. All Muslims who are living in situations that are above the subsistence level must pay alms. These alms are referred to as zakat and they are paid annually. Paying of alms is not a charitable activity carried out by the Muslims rather it is an obligation Muslims in comfortable living conditions are supposed to help those who are living under the poverty line so that they can also live better lives like other people in the society. The amount of alms to be paid by the wealthy Muslims is calculated basing on the