Bill Gates Essay Example for Free

Bill Gates Essay One man with a vision dared all odds to realize his dream of having every abode equipped with a personal computer. It was rather an ambitious dream, but he did his best and soon enough success came knocking on his door. The most important developments in the history of the computer industry happened because of that one man and his vision. His story seems to tell people to dare to dream and work as hard to realize it. William Henry â€Å"Bill† Gates III chairs the world leader in software development, solutions as well as and services company known as the Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft Corporation NP). This company has assisted individuals as well as industries around the world to recognize their fullest potentials. Bill Gates was born on the 28th day of October in the year 1955. He is the son of Mary and William Gates II. His father is an attorney while his mom was a teacher. Bill has two sisters. The young Bill together with his sisters was raised in Seattle (Microsoft Corporation NP). Born to a rich family, Gates went to the most expensive schools in the United States. For his elementary education, he went to both public as well as private schools. During these years, he came to develop an interest in the software industry. He started doing computer programming as young as 13 years of age (Microsoft Corporation NP). Gates also went to Harvard University in the year 1973 (Microsoft Corporation NP). In his stint at Harvard, he developed his version of the BASIC programming language. He did this for the microcomputer, otherwise known as the MITS Altair (Microsoft Corporation NP). He left Harvard while he was on his third year. His reason for leaving school is to concentrate on the company he started with good friend, Paul Allen. The year was 1975 when what was to become the largest software developing company was initially started, then manned by just two people, Bill and Allen (Microsoft Corporation NP). The two started developing software for PCs led by the conviction that the computer would likely become an indispensable tool at the offices as well as for every household. Gates’ hope as well as his dream for personal computing have as it has always been vital to the success of his company and as well as to the rest of the industry. Under his guidance, the company’s mission is to constantly progress as well as develop software technology. It also aims to make it simpler, more cost efficient, as well as more pleasing for its users. Gates became famous the world over, largely due to the sensational success of the company he started. He delivered an interesting insight on the way personal computers will further revolutionize the lives of people in the future. He also shared the way the information superhighway will constantly progress. Gates, being the positive and passionate guy that he is will certainly play a huge role in the future of computers. In the advent of sophisticated computer technology, Gates sees the future were paper work will eventually be minimized. He sees it as something where educators will teach their students with the aid of computers primarily. It would be a world where meetings can happen at any given day, at any given time without the need to travel long distances. It would be a world where residences can well recognize it owners’ distinctively like man ever though possible. Nowadays, Gates’ idea that PCs would be a huge industry as well as his constantly logical vision, are essential to his business as well as to the rest of the industry. The moment he and his business partner started out their business, they came to know the basics as they progressed (Gates 5). On the first day of January in the year 1994, Bill wed Melinda French (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation NP. While his philanthropic ways were essential to the billionaire, together with his wife, they started what came to be known as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The couple believes in the equality of life for every human being. From the time it started in the year 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation help to minimize the inequalities that exist in their own country as well as the world over (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation NP). As of the first month of the year 2005, over $28. 8 billion was allotted to aid the philanthropic efforts of the couple particular concerning worldwide health and education (Microsoft Corporation NP). They hope that developments in these fields will be made accessible to those in need in the 21st century. The foundation has devoted over $3. 6 billion to institutions involved in worldwide health care. It has allotted over $2 billion to develop education opportunities, together with the Gates Library Initiative to give PCs, access to the information superhighway as well as education to public libraries in poor neighborhoods in their country and even in Canada. Over $477 million was committed to neighborhood missions at the Pacific Northwest. Over $488 million was fixed for special missions as well as yearly giving drives of the foundation (Microsoft Corporation NP). The company declared a transition process on the 15 day of June in the year 2006. Such process took effect on July 2008. It has the company’s chairman out of his daily task in order to devote much of his time for his worldwide education and health initiatives through the foundation (Microsoft Corporation NP). After such time, Gates will still act as the chairman as well as a consultant particularly on the company’s key advancement programs. Such transition was done in order to guarantee the efficient as well as systematic turnover of responsibilities in the company. For a hundred years since the time of Rockefeller, Ford as well as Carnegie, the foundation eventually became the richest endowment ever to exist. Its first endowment sponsored the company associated products in training as well as public libraries in the country. Still, others claim that it was his wife’s influence that caused the foundation to take a new direction to be the biggest sole private resource of investment for study into AIDS, vaccine as well as malnutrition. As a result, the efforts garnered several recognitions (New Internationalist 1). Gates envisions significant developments in the computer industry in the years to come. He pictures software that is capable of interacting with people at a more personal level by means of identifying voices, features as well as hand gestures. Armed with inexpensive digital cameras, PCs will soon have vision (Hart NP). He pictures interactive tablet computes taking the place of books as well as notebooks in institutions. Pupils will draft the whole lot of the things they must have on their tablet computers and transcribe all straight to screen for storage. Gates foretells that for a great number of institutions, the price of new PCs will not fall as low to be a practical option to conventional book for two to fours years from now (Hart NP). Software will modify more things in the future than it has ever done before. Gates remarked the manner in which the development of software and ever more influential microprocessors, together with the information superhighway has affected individual as well as industrial computing. Moreover, he mentioned about the way it altered the world of photography as well as the music industry. For the most part, things will leave the desktop and will be completed in the cloud of the information superhighway. Large amounts of data, take for example, the Visual Earth developed by the company will build more logic being shared over cyberspace than downloaded on the personal computer (Kash NP). The answer to upcoming software advancement is to build the architecture that allows users to handle information as well as applications in a diversified environment making the most of both local as well as the cyber realms. The major transformation approaching is innovative means of relating with devices. At the same time as the aid of both keyboards and mouse is here to stay, innovative potentials in terms of speech recognition, citing for example may turn mobile devices into an even more powerful tool for communication. He also depicted the manner the three dimensional computing, collaboration devices as well as robotics are offering new stages for output that will constantly modify the cyberspace industry. Lastly, he imparted his remarks in dropping by institutions regarding the way software is turning out to be an ever more vital element in the development of the sciences, particularly in astronomy as well as biology, giving new opportunities for the development of the software industry. Gates impatiently waits for the time when the administration of any state can get rid of paper from their systems of justice as well as medical records. Since this particular market does not concern similar aggressive issues that it was usually to be anticipated that it would take a little more time for it to progress into new advances and still the chance for competence, visibility of data as well as doing away with forms is still rather great. He believes that the growing accessibility of sophisticated visual representations will advance the development of online advertising as well as the information superhighway will ever more afford the best stage for some of the most elaborate as well as targeted innovative advertising efforts. For the twenty five year that has passed since Gates first encountered the programming language known as BASIC and when he learned the about the GE machine, he has changed the computer industry in a remarkable way. The advent of Microsoft Windows, the mouse as well as MS – DOS brought it down to a more personalized plane. His goal of having every home equipped with a personal computer is happening. His visions have fashioned extremely aggressive software as well as hardware computing industries. This man has certainly caused a great impact on the way people processes available data. The world has been seen a dramatic change as far as the computer industry is concerned because of one man who dared to realize his noble vision. Works Cited â€Å"About Us. † 2008. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://www. gatesfoundation. org/AboutUs/. â€Å"Bill Gates. † 30 July 2007. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://www. microsoft. com/presspass/exec/billg/bio. mspx. â€Å"Bill Gates. † July 2006. New Internationalist. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0JQP/is_391/ai_n16619363. Gates, Bill. The Road Ahead. USA: Pearson Education Limited, 1999. Hart, Kim. â€Å"Bill Gates’ Vision for the Future. † 13 March 2008. The Washington Post Company. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://blog. washingtonpost. com/posttech/2008/03/bill_gates_vision_for_the_futu. html Kash, Wyatt. â€Å"Bill Gates on software’s future. † 13 Marh 2008. Government Computer News. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://www. gcn. com/blogs/tech/45963. html. Reitz, Stacey. â€Å"William Henry Gates III. † 26 September 1996. Stacey Reitz. Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://ei. cs. vt. edu/~history/Gates. html.

Treaty On The Non Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons Politics Essay

Treaty On The Non Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons Politics Essay Without any doubt nuclear technology has molded the modern world. Political and military power has been redefined, so too have alliances and enmities been reshaped to fit a world defined by such a destructive technology. On examination of various sources, it will become evident that the introduction of nuclear power not only led to the definitive shift of super-power status from France and Britain to America, but also the struggle to emerge as and the eventual prevalence of America over the Soviet Union as the unstated world leader. In light of this political and military hierarchy, nuclear technology has been the foundation for alliance and antagonism between nuclear states, non-nuclear states and suspected nuclear states. The non-proliferation treaty and the terms it encompasses have created a mitigating body of confederates but also the alienation of non-conformist countries. Below it will be discussed with reference to multiple sources how our world has we know it has evolved into a sensitive scale; held in balance by Mutually Assured Destruction, and at constant risk of tipping due to the decreasing applicability of M.A.D. theory to newly empowered nations. Review Of Literature Summary Of Evidence Source A: The Rise of U.S. Nuclear Primacy Evident immediately in the source is the role nuclear capability had in arousing tensions, but preventing an escalation into all out war, between the United States and The Soviet Union. The military capability on both sides of the Iron Curtain dictated that hot war would lead to the annihilation of both super-powers. Thus, the immense fear of the opponent led to massive tensions arousing between the two largest military powers of the time. While it can be argued that M.A.D. resulted in a relatively stable environment, due to the absence of direct, armed conflict between the nuclear giants, many have criticized the restrictions that M.A.D. placed on America. In fear of self-destruction, the U.S. was unable to topple the Soviet regime, and therefore M.A.D. propagated the survival of an evil empire. However, the balance of military capability is beginning to favor the west. America is on the verge of surpassing the nuclear ability of China and Russia. Consequentially, the United States sits at the top of the international hierarchy; emerging as an unstated world leader. Source B: Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Nuclear technology has opened up a forum for discussion and engagement between many, otherwise unrelated, countries. Originally signed by fifty-nine states and the three primary signatories; the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty has led to an alliance between the world powers and many developing nations. As a tacit requirement of the treaty, countries with nuclear capability are obliged to assist developing signatories in the pursuit and construction of civilian nuclear power. This cooperation was unseen before July 1968 and can be attributed to the discussions around the restriction of nuclear armament. Conversely, those who have not opted to accept the treaty have imposed a rift between themselves and the signatories defined by a distrust of their nuclear intensions. India, Pakistan and Israel are the only three countries to have refused to partake in the NPT, and later North Korea (a former signatory) renounced the treaty in the name of pursuing a nuclear program. Thus, the alliance and cooperation amongst signatory states does not extend to the aforementioned outliers. The inequality of the NPT outlines the international hierarchy established within the confines of nuclear politics. The nuclear powers (in effect, America) were not required to renounce their nuclear arsenal whereas nonnuclear nations were obliged to forgo any nuclear development. This preferential agreement displays the influence and authority accompanying nuclear ability. Source C: Iran Tests Missiles Amid Nuclear Tensions In September of 2009 two noteworthy events occurred in Iran. President Ahmadinejad announced Iranian intention to build a second uranium enrichment facility, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began testing a range of missile-launching systems. Normally, the USA tends to encourage the development of defense forces in order to build good will between nations. However, coupled with Irans pursuit of nuclear technology (of military capability disguised as a civilian power program according to American theory) has led to an incredibly fearful and skeptical response from the west. I see it as a significant step forward in terms of Irans capacity to deliver weapons. Said Gary Samore special assistant to the president on nonproliferation. Most worrying is the news that Iran may now possess surface-to surface missiles capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to parts of Europe. The cautious view of Iran and its intentions would undoubtedly have escalated tensions within Europe, and further Alienated the United States. Source D: Saudi Arabia Wont Wait For West On Irans Nuclear Program Revealed through wikileaks was the growing tension within the Middle East between previously allied states. Countries such as Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have gravitated towards The United States in the hope of a military intervention in Iran. However, the circumstances of the time (economic and political) have led to America Taking a far softer stance in regard to the Iranian nuclear program sanctions. This approach has been largely dismissed by Iran, which has now revealed a third nuclear reactor and has declared no intention to forgo their nuclear projects. The growing confidence of Iran, which has faced no tangible consequences, has bolstered the certainty of subversive groups. The backing of these protà ©gà ©s by Iran has led to an increasing threat from terrorist organizations and separatist groups further exacerbating tensions and fear within the Middle East. This fear has led to two scenarios: Firstly, many countries have gravitated towards the nuclear power Pakistan; in the hope of protection and deterrence. Secondly, countries such as Saudi Arabia have opted to join the nuclear ranks and enter into the arms race for themselves. In order to kick-start this project, the close relations between Pakistan and its allies have led to discourse regarding the assistance in nuclear development. The primary fear is the possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of illegitimate groups, where the threat of an attack is exponentially compounded. The logical course of action is the continued decay of stability, relations and security the world over all due to the nuclear development in previously unintimidating countries. Source E: Iraq Defeated Militarily 26th February 1991 Iraq gave way to United Nations forces and surrendered. This marked the end of the official the Persian-Gulf War of 1990, although lesser fighting continued to take place until the 28th. Iraq was being dominated militarily and was left no choice but to retreat under fire from a primarily American, armed attack. Extensive force was used to the point where Iraqi militants were being annihilated. Many attacks were thought to have left no survivors. Between twenty and twenty-six thousand Iraqi militants are thought to have been killed, as well as two thousand three hundred civilians. This military defeat is considered to have been a total domination favouring the Western forces. This source outlines the tangible impact of military force where diplomacy and discourse have failed. Although Iraq refused to abide by the demands of the UN to withdraw from Kuwait, there was no other choice by February 1991. Source F: Member States of the IAEA The International Atomic Energy Association was founded on29th July 1957 by 18 states amongst which were America, Russia and South Africa. Following Dominica and Papua New Guineas joining of the Agency in 2012, the IAEA now has 154 members. India and Pakistan are both members of the IAEA and Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea withdrew from the agency on the 13th June 1994. Source G: The IAEA Mission Statement The IAEA is a branch of the United Nations that serves as a forum for nuclear cooperation. The agency assists its member states with the development of nuclear technology for peaceful uses i.e. generating electricity. All member states are bound by the non-proliferation treaty and are bound to only use their acquired knowledge for non-military purposes. As the IAEA is made up of many different countries of varying nuclear capabilities, there would be a large amount of interaction between countries with otherwise few connections. Source H: Nuclear power: If Japan and Germany dont need it, why does anyone? Japan and Germany are the worlds third and fourth largest economies respectively. Following the Fukushima disaster, Germany and Japan discarded plans to build a number of new nuclear reactors. Currently, 30% of Japans electricity is provided by nuclear reactors and 25% of Germanys. The United Kingdom relies ofar less on nuclear power but aims to increase their nuclear electricity supply by building a number of new reactors. This article shows a movement away from nuclear energy and towards renewable recourses. A counter-argument is therefore put forward stating that the time of nuclear technology could be coming to an end, or at the very least nuclear technology is not as important as it may seem. Evaluation of Sources The Rise Of Nuclear Primacy Origin www.foreignaffairs.com is a reputable website dedicated to the interpretation of international incidents and the discussion thereof. This particular article was penned by Kier A. Lieber and Daryl G. Press in 2006. Purpose The article was written specifically to clarify the international pyramid. Where previously America and the Soviet Union stood on equal footing, followed closely by China, the world paradigm is now defined by American supremacy. This shift in authority and power has had a significant impact on world politics and diplomacy and needed to be outlined. Value Revealed by this source is the primary importance of nuclear power over almost all resources at a countrys disposal. Although both Russia and China outnumber America in manpower, the slightest nuclear advantage has dictated America to be the inevitable victor of a confrontation. In their military confidence, the US carries far more authority over the world, as displayed in unilateral action in Iraq in 2003 and Americas primary position within the NATO operations in Libya. The source further reveals that the uneasy alliance that existed between the US and the during the cold war Soviet Union was a direct result of nuclear capability. Should the threat of nuclear annihilation of both parties be absent, many incidences would have undoubtedly led to armed conflict. So although the relationship between the US and the USSR was astonishingly hostile, in comparison to the all-out clash that would have occurred on the battlefield, the relationship was a civil alliance. Limitation The limitation of this article lies in its theoretical foundation. There has never been an actual nuclear conflict in order to validate a claim that either party has absolute supremacy. However, the factual basis behind these theories (the comparative size of each nations nuclear arsenal) leads the source to maintain a great deal of validity. Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Origin This source was taken from the Encyclopedia Britannica; entry by Laurence D. Freedman. The Encyclopedia Britannica is amongst the most notable reference series in the world. Covering a wide range of topics, Encyclopedia Britannica is considered a reliable source of information covering a wide variety of topics. Purpose This article serves to clarify the history, nature, requirements and signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Evident from this article is the primary importance of three actors, The USA, the USSR and the UK, in the treaty. All three are nuclear powers and considered the primary signatories of the treaty. Thus the weight of a nuclear arsenal is identified. More so, as the treaty has been signed by all but three countries (Israel, Pakistan and India) we can see how central nuclear technology is to global politics. By refusing to participate in the treaty and thereby excluding themselves from the international forum, these three nations have alienated themselves and eliminated any negotiating authority or legitimacy that would accompany signing the treaty. Value The Non-proliferation treaty is uniquely unequal, as it obliges nonnuclear states to forgo development of nuclear weapons while allowing the established nuclear states to keep theirs. This one statement outlines the crux of the primary argument: with nuclear power comes great authority. The nuclear powers have dictated the terms of an unequal treaty and nonnuclear states have accepted these terms in the hope that the superpowers will assist them in developing nuclear power. Even though this inequality has been a great target for criticism it remains prominent due to the pull and influence of the primary signatories. Even though the NPT is widely accepted, the prospect of nuclear technology has led several countries to disregard it and pursue their own nuclear programs. Iraq, for example, is suspected of building uranium enrichment facilities and North Korea has simply left the treaty. This proves the value of nuclear technology over international coherency and cooperation. Limitation The source is both credited and limited by the lack of interpretation. The mere statement of facts minimizes the bias that would occur; however as these facts are not discussed they may be misinterpreted. Furthermore, the author of the article had carte blanche in deciding which information would be included. Therefore, it is highly probable that information, which would create a negative perception, or an overly positive perception, of any party, was excluded in order to maintain the image of objectivity. I.e. accuracy of the source may have been sacrificed to preserve illusional impartiality. Iran Tests Missiles Amid Nuclear Tension Origin CNN, an internationally acclaimed news agency released this article in 2009 on their global website. This article was written by one of their many journalists and is available to the public under the World heading of their website. Purpose In order to emphasize Irans deliberate aggravation of hostility during an already aggressive period, CNN publicized their testing of missile systems that could potentially be used for long-range nuclear attack. The article also served to exhibit Americas stance on Iran. Namely that Iran is perusing nuclear weaponry and the capacity to utilize it in warfare in the near future. Value From this evidence we can conclude that Iran is gaining significance within international politics. Until now a relatively unintimidating foe, Iran has gained status as a formidable force. This was achieved through the mere suspicion of a nuclear arsenal, highlighting the weight behind this destructive technology. Limitation As a reputable media agency, CNN is committed to uphold a journalistic ethic that would minimize the bias exhibited in the article. As much as possible, the facts are merely stated and personal agenda is set aside. Nevertheless, as a western news agency there is a high likely hood of a minimal bias exhibiting itself within the article, as the article tends to insinuate that Iran is a substantial threat to international security. Saudi Arabia Wont Wait For West On Irans Nuclear Program Origin This article was originally published on a website dedicated to discussion revolving around the Middle East: http://ww.al-monitor.com. It was written by an Israeli author; Eli Avidar and published by Maariv in Israel. Purpose The purpose of this article was to demonstrate that it is not only the West that fears the Iranian nuclear power; there are multiple Islamic nations that denounce the project and wish to see the end of Irans nuclear projects. This information enhances the gravity of the Middle Eastern nuclear crisis by reinforcing the danger radiating from Iran. Value In light of this incredible danger, the tensions are clarified and the significance of nuclear power in global politics is made explicit. The source goes further to highlight the importance of nuclear powers in the global hierarchy. America is sought after as a protector and this proves fruitless Pakistan is identified as a valuable ally purely due to their nuclear knowledge. Limitation However, there is clear bias in the source. The article was written by an Israeli and published by an Israeli company. Since Israel is a traditional enemy and antagonist of Iran, it is certain that the article would denounce Iran and present a point of view opposed to any project that could place Israel at risk. Thus, there is a distinct lack of fairness with regard to the representation of Irans intentions or capabilities. Consequentially, it is not well-defined whether or not there are such exasperated tensions in the Middle East, or if nuclear weapons play such a significant role in a nations international standing. Method Nuclear technology is a broad area with many applications. I chose to examine how nuclear technology has affected global relationships, both military and diplomatic. The reason why I chose this topic is because of past material covered in class; outlining mutual assured destruction, the Cuban missile crisis as well as the general hostility between the USA and the USSR. Before I began my investigation I read a number of useful Internet sites in order to better my background knowledge of nuclear weaponry. I also watched a documentary detailing the events of August 6th and 8th 1945. These sites had information regarding which states are seeking nuclear power, which states already have nuclear power, past uses of the technology (both civilian and military), as well as conflicts that have resulted (both indirectly and directly) from nuclear technology. Ultimately, I chose eight of the aforementioned websites to Include in my project. I then summarized each source and selected exactly whic h information was most relevant to my topic. This information would then be used to make specific points and draw conclusions within my assignment. For me, the primary benefit of this project was the discovery of vast quantities of historical information. Through this enlightenment, I was able to rationalize and clarify the impact of nuclear technology on the world I live in. Furthermore, this project afforded me the opportunity to develop argumentative skills using a reservoir of knowledge to ground and substantiate my ideas. Although I had a general direction in which I wished to proceed when I began my project, I lacked the necessary knowledge. This assignment therefore allowed me to develop my ability to research and enlighten myself in order to present enlightened and concise arguments. I enjoyed to opportunity to delve into a historical archive and make the connection between the world that was, the world that is and the factors that have shaped it as such. Processing of Findings Nuclear power is the defining characteristic of the twenty-first century. Political and military interactions are embedded with nuclear agenda, which has both shaped alliances and seen to their erosion. Below it will be discussed, with reference to multiple sources, how the USA has capitalized on their nuclear supremacy in order to establish themselves as the dominant, global super-power, the non-proliferation treaty (NPT) has set the foundation for the alliances and hostility present today and how the destructive capacity of nuclear weaponry has outweighed all other agenda and held the world in balance when chaos seemed imminent. The only definitive method of implementing global policy is armed conflict. Although the UN is able to pass binding resolutions, should a country merely dismiss these policies there is little the international community can do to ensure their implementation. Such was the case in 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. Despite international condemnation of the move, Iraqi occupation of Kuwait continued until 1991 when the US general Powell announced the liberation of Kuwait as having been achieved. This liberation was achieved through a massive military intervention resulting in up to twenty-six-thousand Iraqi military casualties. (Source E) From this it is evident as to the rudimental nature of military supremacy in dictating international affairs. So what can be concluded of modern day supremacy? According to source A, America has surpassed Russian and Chinese in nuclear capability. In the past, there was a tangible prospect of America suffering a defeat due to the equal nuclear power of the USSR. The USSR therefore served as the only regulatory body on the United States in terms of limiting action through military force. Today, that regulation no longer exists. Should America act in a way that would ignite such large-scale warfare, the destruction of any opposition would be guaranteed by the USs military arsenal. The US is willing to resort to nuclear options; should the situation become so dire as demonstrated in 1945 with the nuclear strike on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Effectively, America holds Carte Blanche and sits atop the global hierarchy of superpowers, and until such a time as a realistic opponent emerges; the American way is the only way. In light of depleting energy sources, nuclear energy has become a focal point for developing nations. Since 1957, one hundred and fifty-four nations have joined the International Atomic Energy Agency with the primary aim of developing nuclear power in their own country, and a secondary goal of assisting the construction of atomic power by signatory states. (Sources F;G) This international co-operation is on a massive scale; rarely seen in past politics. The pursuit of nuclear power has led to diplomatic relations between highly unlikely parties, such as India and Pakistan (both having joined the agency in 1957) outlining the notable impact that nuclear technology has had on transnational politics. The IAEA is a shining example of how nuclear technology has brought nations together; similar to the non-proliferation treaty. The primary objective of the NPT is nuclear disarmament and a hindered development of nuclear weaponry. (Sources B) This treaty consists of signatories ranging from superpower status, such as the USA, to non-nuclear countries and has provided a platform for diplomacy and mutual progress. Thus, a basis for alliance has been formed which serves as a deterrent for any member to act in detriment of NPT signatory nations. Conversely, the NPT has embedded a fault between member and non-member parties. Those countries that have refused to sign the treaty (i.e. Israel, Pakistan and India) and those that have opted out (i.e. North Korea) have severely limited their ability to interact with the global community and form such alliances. (Source B) Consequently, the alliance and beneficial cooperation that exists due to membership of the NPT do not extend to these rogue nations. The question looms: Why would they refuse to sign the treaty if their nuclear intentions were peaceful and condonable? This question would give rise to substantial fear and tension towards the NPT outliers. While it is evident that nuclear technology has set the foundation for the interaction and collaboration of global parties, as well as the minor disassociation of other states, nuclear power continues to provoke hostility and antipathy today. In September 2007, Iran launched short, medium and long ranged missiles in a series of tests they called The Great Prophet 4 (Payghamber-e Azam 4). These tests closely followed an announcement by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad informing the world that Iran had begun construction of another uranium enrichment facility. There is already speculation, primarily by Israel and America, that Iran intends to acquire nuclear weaponry, and this suspicion has realigned the perception of Irans missile test. (Source C) Without a nuclear threat, the international community would have respected advancements in the military capabilities of a nation. However, the intensive fear surrounding atomic arsenals has lead to a defensive reaction by the West, as well as an escalation of the tensions that today are feared will lead to all-out war. This is a primary example of how nuclear technology has forced a rift between Iran and the USA and reshaped international politics in favour of a substantial enmity. However, nuclear technology has not only reinforced the relationships that were in place previously. The Arab nations of the Middle East have been able to preserve relatively stable relationships with one another. Nevertheless, Iranian nuclear pursuits have lead Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and The United Arab Emirates to seek closer ties to the West in dread of the consequences should Iran reach nuclear superpower status. (Source D) Thus, there has been a substantial shift in the Middle Eastern paradigm that has lead to the dissolution of what has previously been considered an unwavering coalition. Faced with growing unrest, the world has looked to find any mitigating force to prevent the implosion of modern society. Ironically, the only force powerful enough to prevent nuclear action is the threat of nuclear action. Referring once again to source B, it becomes obvious that large-scale warfare between the USA and the USSR was prevented by the prospect of the other resorting to nuclear attack. Due to the magnitude of the nuclear arsenals on both sides of the Iron Curtain, a nuclear strike would be met with equal force before the strike could be completed. This back and forth of nuclear warheads would ultimately result in the annihilation of both superpowers. The prospect of reciprocal ruin was coined MAD Mutual Assured Destruction. (Source A) MAD has been a pinnacle point in the peace process by preventing warfare at a level scarcely imaginable. Nuclear weaponry is the only foolproof asset in assuring that cold war remains cold. Clearly, the ultimate power in our world today is nuclear power; whether it is destruction or peace, alliance or hostility, nuclear weaponry is an irremovable part of the political process. There are many who believe that the impact of nuclear technology is lessening. Recently, Germany and Japan have taken substantial to reduce future dependency on nuclear energy. Both countries have aborted projects to build further nuclear power stations despite nuclear powers enormous contribution towards their total energy provision. (Source H) This displays a different mentality; nuclear technology is replaceable. There is obviously very little regard for the value of nuclear power on behalf of the aforementioned countries and in such they have removed all ability for other countries to base alliances, enmities or any negotiations on nuclear leverage short of a direct threat. It can be argued that the only power nuclear power has is that which we give it. By giving nuclear power no standing, Japan and Germany have freed themselves from the bonds of an atomic civilization. From this point of view, nuclear power is largely irrelevant. However, this stance has ignored the weaponry aspect of nuclear technology. As nuclear weaponry is the most powerful to date, it still plays a pivotal role in armed conflict both preventative measure and as a tool for leverage. Furthermore, the article that discusses Germany and Japans valiant move to halt nuclear development also considers the sizeable nuclear infrastructure already in place. The existing nuclear power plants provide Thirty percent of Japans electricity and twenty-five percent of Germanys. Therefore, the source contradicts itself and highlights the immense importance of nuclear technology. Conclusion From the evidence presented it is conclusive that nuclear power has been central to the evolution to an American headed world governed by nations of power and undermined by unpredictability. The extent of nuclear threat remains unknown, due to factors such as MAD theory, however one thing is certain: society lives and breathes at the discretion of the men with artillery. A century ago this was unimaginable, but with the development of nuclear weaponry the total destruction of cities, countries and more has become an all too real possibility. In the forthcoming years Russian nuclear threat is minimal, however the West is wary of the rapidly advancing Iranian nuclear program as well as nuclear ability of nations such as North Korea. However, the world is dominated by the most formidable of the nuclear giants the United States of America. Through their dominance, the USA holds a trump card in dictating the ultimate end of any global decision. After all, the only definitive force in international politics is military force. The subject of nuclear development has led to the formation of alliances and cooperative, as is the case for Pakistan and India, America and Israel and much more. It has also severed ties between the closest of friends and reinforced the hostility between the bitterest of enemies. For example, Saudi Arabia and Iran, and America and Iran. Nuclear power has also presented itself as a means of preserving peace, as unstable as it may be, rather than only being a tool for war. This was exhibited in the cold war in the unstable, but non-violent relationship between America and Russia. While many believe that nuclear technology is becoming decreasingly relevant, the entrenchment of nuclear power, weaponry and diplomacy in society today cannot be ignored. There is no dodging the issue; we live in an atomic world governed by nuclear politics. We rise and sleep under the protection of a nuclear blanket that exists to counteract a nuclear threat. Nuclear technology has shaped the world in conformity with the convenience of nuclear powers and set the foundation for many expanding nations to develop. Nuclear technology has played such a pivotal role in the development of modern-day Earth, that the sun may as well be a light bulb powered by Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Technological Advances vs. Human Values in Slaughterhouse-Five and Waiting for Godot :: comparison compare contrast essays

Technological Advances vs. Human Values Technological advances occur all around, whizzing by, while human values change little and at a much slower pace. Commercially bottled water stands as just one of a sundry of items that human technology has conjured up over the years. It seems as though the average person can not go through a day without seeing a symbol of this phenomenon, whether it is a vending machine, an empty container lying in the gutter, or a person clutching a plastic bottle in their hand. Also an ever-present technological advance is the cellular phone, "can you here me now?" It is almost a guarantee that during the course of a class period, a ringtone or the buzzing of the vibrating mode will shake the air. Human nature exists right along side its technology. Kurt Vonnegut and Samuel Beckett use their writings to illustrate what needs to be a part of human existence besides human values and technology. For all of the newfangled contributions to the modernization of human civilization, the values that humans live by have not progressed quite as swiftly. Technological advances occur all around, whizzing by, wh ile human values change little and at a much slower pace. Billy Pilgrim, Kurt Vonnegut's main Slaughterhouse-Five character, rode through life on one of those moving sidewalk, conveyer belt contraptions. He did not make any special efforts to enhance his situation. If one were to cut and paste the novel so that the story of Billy Pilgrim's life went in chronological order, it would become apparent that he merely lived his life. The world still moved around him, war, fire-bombing, the progression of the television set, but Billy took a passive role in his own existence. Billy Pilgrim stays the same humdrum being his entire life. Vonnegut used the repetition of Billy's life and phrases such as "Somewhere a big dig barked" to exhibit how some things just do not change (168). He points out that the people in the novel "are so sick and so much the listless playthings of enormous forces" (164). Billy knows that he is going to die anyway, regardless of what he does or does not do, and he plainly wants to remain unscathed during his jour ney. Vonnegut used this publication as a vehicle to show that it is not enough to live a life to its end, the approach that Billy employed.

Eumenides vs. The Haunted :: essays papers

Eumenides vs. The Haunted Throughout time there has been a universal question that does not yet yield a universal answer: whether or not it is right to avenge the murder of another by killing the killers. In both â€Å"The Haunted,† the third play from Eugene O’ Neill’s trilogy â€Å"Morning Becomes Electra,† and â€Å"Eumenides,† the third play from Aeschylus’ trilogy â€Å"The Oresteia,† the respective sons are directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of their mothers after their mothers intentionally murder their fathers. In â€Å"Eumenides,† the third play of The Oresteia Trilogy,† Orestes kills his mother Clytemnestra in cold blood and feels no remorse for his action. In â€Å"The Haunted,† the third play in â€Å"Morning Becomes Electra,† Orin expresses incredible guilt for the death of his mother, Christine even though he does not physically kill her himself. It is clear that Orestes believes that it is right to avenge the killing of another through the death of the killer and that Orin regrets his actions and does not believe vigilance is justified. In Aeschylus’ â€Å"Eumenides,† Orestes believes that his murdering of his mother is well justified by the fact that she murdered his father. Orestes is completely guilt-free after the murder and feels like he did the right thing. Orestes did not have a close relationship with his mother, and resented her for sending him away. Orestes feels that it is his responsibility to avenge his father’s death. Though Orestes is put on trial for the murder of his mother, he continues to proclaim that the murder of his mother was justified, claiming he was encouraged by the god Apollo to murder his father. Cassandra, who had been cursed by Apollo to be a seer who would never be believed, envisions the death of Agamemnon and herself. It is in this vision that she sees an avenger who will come about and bring justice to the murdered victims: â€Å" We will die, but not without some honor from the gods. There will come another to avenge us, born to kill his mother, b orn his father’s champion. The gods have sworn a monumental oath: as his father lies upon the ground he draws him home with power like a prayer.† This vision proves to be very important when speaking about the innocence of Orestes and his heroism as well. Before the incident even takes place, we know that the gods have destined Orestes to avenge his father’s death.

Computer Viruses :: essays research papers

Computer Viruses A virus is a program that copies itself without the knowledge of the computer user. Typically, a virus spreads from one computer to another by adding itself to an existing piece of executable code so that it is executed when its host code is run. If a virus if found, you shouldn't panic or be in a hurry, and you should work systematically. Don't rush! A Viruse may be classified by it's method of concealment (hiding). Some are called stealth viruses because of the way that they hide themselves, and some polymorphic because of the way they change themselves to avoid scanners from detecting them. The most common classification relates to the sort of executable code which the virus attaches itself to. These are:  ¨ Partition Viruses  ¨ Boot Viruses  ¨ File Viruses  ¨ Overwriting Viruses As well as replicating, a virus may carry a Damage routine. There is also a set of programs that are related to viruses by virtue of their intentions, appearances, or users likely reactions. For example:  ¨ Droppers  ¨ Failed viruses  ¨ Packagers  ¨ Trojans  ¨ Jokes  ¨ Test files THE DAMAGE ROUTINE Damage is defined as something that you would prefer not to have happened. It is measured by the amount of time it takes to reverse the damage. Trivial damage happens when all you have to do is get rid of the virus. There may be some audio or visual effect; often there is no effect at all. Minor damage occurs when you have to replace some or all of your executable files from clean backups, or by re-installing. Remember to run FindVirus again afterwards. Moderate damage is done when a virus trashes the hard disk, scrambles the FAT, or low-level formats the drive. This is recoverable from your last backup. If you take backups every day you lose, on average, half a day's work. Major damage is done by a virus that gradually corrupts data files, so that you are unaware of what is happening. When you discover the problem, these corrupted files are also backed up, and you might have to restore a very old backup to get valid data. Severe damage is done by a virus that gradually corrupts data files, but you cannot see the corruption (there is no simple way of knowing whether the data is good or bad). And, of course, your backups have the same problem. Unlimited damage is done by a virus that gives a third party access to your network, by stealing the supervisor password. The damage is then done by the third party, who has control of the network.

Intellectual and technological property Essay

In the United States, the stakes of identifying the best laws and policies for the use of intellectual and technological property are very high (U. S. Congress, 1986). As a general rule, developers of computer software seek legal protection for intellectual property by using traditional legal mechanisms found in copyright, trade secret, patent, trademark and licensing. Of these forms of protection the most easily attainable protection is through copyright law, which makes it illegal to make or distribute copies of copyrighted material in the U.  S. without authorization (Qu & Potkonjak, 2003). BUGusa should be using, first and foremost, the legal protection of copyright laws in order to guard its intellectual property. In an instance of educating Congress Members regarding the steps taken by the FBI for trade and intellectual theft, an example of a case was presented by the FBI to the Congress. Patrick Worthing was arrested by the FBI after agreeing to sell Pittsburgh Plate Glass information for $1000 to a Pittsburgh agent posing as a representative of Owens-Corning, Toledo, Ohio. Patrick Worthing was sentenced to 15 months in jail and three years probation for the Theft of Trade Secrets (Gallagher, 1998). Wiretime would have to face similar liabilities if Steve is caught in the act of transferring important corporate or intellectual information to his mother company. Walter could be guilty of may be a tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress. The threat to hurt Steven can be interpreted as an assault. These claims rise from allegedly wrongful employment practices. The tort requires that the defendant’s conduct was extreme and outrageous and that severe physical or emotional harm resulted. Courts however demand more (Lindemann & Grossman, 1983). Seeing as Walter did not harm Steven in any way apart from threatening to hurt him, the chances of liability held against Walter and BUGusa are not tantamount to a lot. Steve himself had handed over the information to Walter and had left the small room without being physically harmed. Liu and Ye (2001) discuss various issues of security and application security related to software agents ranging from market chaos, agent authorization and transaction. For security, the prime advice I would give to BUGusa would be to protect the entire system with consistent and appropriate security measures. Sometimes the system is complex and often not designed with security in mind. Therefore it is important to scrutinize each component for its security weaknesses and protect it accordingly (Interactive Information Security Policies, 2007). In my opinion, BUGusa may not have to face liability if the vendor was attacked. The vandalism in the city is not under the control of the company and BUGusa must highlight the point that the company does as far as it can by making the parking lot and dock are well-lit. As for the vandalism and the theft, these are street crimes which the government and law-enforcement agencies are to be held accountable for. BUGusa may defend itself by suffering a loss themselves through the vandalism. It may also go on to assure for the future that increased security measures would be taken in order to avoid such circumstances. BUGusa needs to prove that Wiretime has committed some criminal activity against them. If Steve has been bribed by Wiretime to commit this act, or has been successfully proven into being seen as committing a pattern of criminal activity, RICO can be claimed. BUGusa must prove that Steve has been passing valuable information to Wiretime for over a large period of time. Sally DoGood may have a successful case against BUGusa for the tort of Product Liability. The product, through legal definition, has caused a defect due to the defect resulting from the basic criteria that it involved â€Å"seller’s failure to exercise reasonable care† and â€Å"would cause a reasonable person in position of the buyer to expect the used product to present no greater risk of defect than if the product were new†. Experts also say that if the plaintiff discovers that the alleged defect has been discovered, (which may be argued in the case of BUGusa) the plaintiff can move on to a negligence claim (Allee, 1984).

Maximization of Shareholder Wealth Essay

Question: Firms often involve themselves in projects that do not result directly in profits, for example by sponsorship of sporting events of the opera or other entertainment. Do these projects contradict the goal of maximization of shareholder wealth? Why or why not? Answer: Participating in programs that are socially responsible does not contradict the goal of maximization of shareholder wealth. Having a good reputation from your local community is very important for sustaining a business. Although it remains true that spending on social programs could cost a major business millions of dollars, it is the goodwill that is formed through that community that can offer an essential guarantee for the continuation of that firm. For an example, if the Australian Company ‘Energex’ stopped spending some of their money on alternative energy initiatives or programs, that can be seen as being environmentally concerned, some of Energex’s customers could decide to do business with other energy companies who are engaging with programs that are seen as being more socially responsible. Failing to engage in socially responsible programs, thus potentially losing many customers, goes against maximizing shareholder wealth. When all is said and done, there is far more meaning to business and shareholder wealth than just dollars and cents. An investment in the greater good of the human race pays dividends to the company many more times than penny pinching. By participating in socially responsible programs, this can ensure that a company keep a positive reputation and goodwill, which in turn creates loyalty from their customers which leads to a maximization of shareholder wealth. It is then imperative for businesses to invest in a few respectable social initiatives that may not always generate profits in order to sustain maximizing shareholder wealth.