Exercise 1

“Politics is inextricably linked to the phenomena of conflict and cooperation”

In the present world, it looks as though there are perpetual wars and unending conflicts. Over the last century, key wars such as the World Wars, the Cold War’s constant threat of escalation, and, most recently, the Iraq and Afghan Wars have occurred, highlighting how politics creates chaos through conflict. Despite widespread agreement on the critical nature of peace, the globe is rife with fear and continuous security worries, yet the world has often come together to end disasters such as terrorism and the recent outbreak of a global pandemic COVID-19, highlighting cooperation amongst nation states. Since World War I, there has been no consensus on a single strategy for establishing a peaceful international environment. Even then, there has been numerous instances of politics promoting conflict, such as the activities of the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other instances of fostering international cooperation, for instance the support of developing nations’ agenda for peace and better governance. As a result, it’s only natural to assume that certain impediments to political cooperation exist and that politics has a clear yet complex link to conflict and cooperation.

Exercise 2

In her speech, Eleanor Roosevelt captured why human rights are relevant in the daily life of an individual. I think she brought out a personal and heartfelt appeal to the U and the world to consider what human rights mean to a person instead of thinking about it from a global perspective. Equality, in everyday life, featured heavily in her speech, highlighting a personal desire to see justice in communities despite different political standings. For example, today I feel that women are yet to acquire the same privileges as those available to men. Despite being able contributors to every society, their sacrifices, talents, contributions, and other inputs remain unnoticed. The woman, as an individual, is yet to see her full human rights explored in totality, an issue I would like to see changed in my lifetime.

Exercise 3

“A right enjoyed by Lebanese citizens”

Lebanon is a nation founded and based on parliamentary democratic principles that have been established on the ideas of respect for public liberties, including freedom of expression and belief, social justice, and nondiscriminatory rights and obligations for all people. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is included in the preamble of the Lebanese Constitution.

“A right violated in Lebanon”

Lebanon’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression “within the bounds of the law.” However, under the Lebanese penal code, defamation of public authorities is punished by up to a year in jail. If you insult the president, you face a maximum of two years in jail; but, if you insult religious ceremonies, you face a maximum of three years in prison. Insulting the Lebanese flag or army is punished by up to three years in jail under the military code of justice. If citizens or government officials may be jailed for peacefully criticizing them, this violates Lebanon’s international obligations to guarantee freedom of expression.

“A right denied in Lebanon”

The right to criticize the government seems as one that has been denied in Lebanon. Active participants in any anti-government protests face critical torture and other forms on injustice by the regime’s military and related forces.

Exercise 4

Lebanon’s communal power-sharing allows substantial power to major community pillars.

The public prosecutor holds substantial power of injunction in Lebanon.

Traditional legitimacy is present through the advantages given to traditional leaders in various regions and capacities in governance.

Lebanon uses confessionalism, a style of consociationalism where the highest offices in the country are proportionately set aside for representatives from different religious communities.

Political outcome of the recent violations of human rights has been continued participation by citizens opposed to violations.

Formal institutions such as parliament and the court systems have been involved in misinterpreting the constitution.

Political input has led to changes in the overall political environment producing support and demands for action.

Religious actors in the public sphere have been silent in Lebanon’s struggle for better governance.

Exercise 5a

Identity politics is a departure from traditional broad-based party politics, in which followers of a certain religion, race, social class, or other characteristic form exclusive political alliances.

Nations are large groups of people that share a common heritage, history, culture, and/or language and dwell in the same country or region.

A nation state is a sovereign state in which the majority of its people or subjects share common features, such as language or ancestry, with the country.

5b

Fragmentation is a key trend on the world stage, acting as a counterweight to greater interconnection, and Identity Politics is at the forefront of this movement.

Despite their polar opposing inclinations, both Identity Politics and interdependence are aided and exacerbated by technological progress.

Identity Politics are a danger to an international order based on viable states exercising a monopoly on force.

5c

State – Algeria

A nation state- Germany

Nation without a state- The Kurds