Objective 3: Imagine

War has often been used to resolve conflicts between states.  Although it is seen by most, if not all, states to be used as a last resort to solve disputes, the number of wars that states engage in is still high. 

I believe that the best way to maintain the balance of power in the international system is through the conclusion of treaties.  Although the process takes long for treaties to be concluded, those that are binding must be able to maintain the balance of power.  Agreements on the elimination of the use of nuclear arms may be able to prevent war from happening.

It is also important to communicate with other states.  Rather than attacking another state immediately through the media or other means that may gain immediate attention and may become the source of ire for the other state, it would be much better to simply fix the situation through bilateral talks between leaders and cooperation.

Objective 2: Act

I remember reading the book 'Night' by Elie Wiesel for DEUSTAT class under Ms. Gorospe and I found it very inspiring.  To read about the suffering that he, together with his father and other Jewish men, had to go through is heartbreaking.

Ellie Wiesel Foundation twitter account: http://twitter.com/eliewieselfdn

As stated in his foundation's twitter account, 'EWF seeks to combat indifference, intolerance & injustice through int'l dialogue & youth-focused programs that promote acceptance, understanding & equality'.  It is good to see that he fights for what he believes in.  The scars that the holocaust ordeal brought him would be felt for life but he manages to be vocal on issues that must be fixed in society.  

P.S.  I encourage everyone to read 'Night' :)

Objective 1:Learn

Even in ancient history, war had been common between groups of people.  Today, war is still very much present.  The occurrence of conflict appears to be natural and this gives the sad idea that war can happen at anytime and anywhere.  It is important to note that the wars of the past are different from the wars of today. 

Although wars of today are much deadlier and more destructive, I think we have to actually think if the consequences of war are actually worth going through in order to attain a goal.  Despite the difference between the wars of the past and the wars of the present, one thing is certain, war kills and is a cause of destruction. 

Objective 3: Imagine

INTERESTING.

The world in 2021.  With the way the world is constantly improving its technology, 2021 would definitely have a very futuristic look to it.

CARS.   Can we finally expect those so-called flying cars?  Maybe most cars would finally run on water? Hmmm...

TECHNOLOGY.  Today, ipads are on the rise.  Laptops still maintain their convenience.  With the fast-paced changes, how would these things evolve through time?

SKYSCRAPERS.  Have you noticed how many buildings have been popping out recently?  Well, I believe in 2021, tall skyscrapers would dominate major cities all over the world.

Objective 2: Act

2 SIMPLE WAYS THAT MAY BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE GLOBAL NORTH AND THE GLOBAL SOUTH

Do charitable work!  Although I have never experienced actually building houses for Gawad Kalinga, I have always wanted to do so.  I have missed a number of opportunities but I will definitely join in the near future.  To know that I am actually able to do something to give people a place to live in would be very fulfilling. 

Support our own!  Specifically for Filipinos, it is important to support something that is our own.  This may help in the development of the industries in the country.  Supporting products made in the Philippines or anything Filipino should be good.  :)  

Objective 1:Learn

The map shows a noticeable distinction that the number Global North countries are far less than the number of Global South countries.  The Global North consists mostly of northern states of the American and Asian continents and all European states.  I agree that it is quite common that many use national incomes as basis of determining whether a country is considered poor or rich.  This could be accurate but I believe there are much more factors that sets poor and rich countries apart.  With this, I would like to focus on four areas that distinguishes the Global South from the Global North countries. 

First, as discussed in class, many Global North countries are former colonizers with many of its colonies belonging to the Global South.  Global South countries were exploited for the benefit of their colonizers and their people were subject to follow their ‘masters’ as they were considered to be of lower status than their ‘white’ conquerors.  Today, many of these former colonies remain dependent on their former colonizers.  As in the case of the Philippines, it is still greatly reliant on the US in many areas.  I can go into more comparisons between the two countries and there is a big disparity in the performance of both countries.  

Second, from past discussions, Global North countries are able to produce manufactured goods while Global South countries are producers primarily of agricultural products.  Trade benefits a country since it can earn from what it exports.  If such products are exported, it would mean that Global North countries are much more likely to gain profit from what they produce than the Global South will receive for their agricultural products.  Agricultural products have less value in the international trading scene than manufactured products, which the industrialized countries produce.  

Third, I believe that Global South countries invest less on education than Global North countries do.  Education is very important in a person’s success in the world.  The lack of education in a country means that it would hard to be able to move forward. People need proper education to push themselves out of poverty.  This is something I firmly believe in because it is evident in society that those who have a good educational background are able to get better jobs.  

Fourth, I believe that corruption is a big factor in hindering the development of Global South countries and there is comparatively less corruption in the Global North countries.  Without a fair and just government, a country cannot move forward.  If only governments would put the money in the right place, circumstances would be different for developing nations.  It is also important that priorities are set straight.  In the Global North, it seems that many have distinct priorities.  In the Global South, it seems that the system is overwhelmed and the money allocated is not sufficient for the more essential areas that may help bring countries out of poverty.  

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly how to overcome the division between the Global South and the Global North countries.  However, I think that if the Global South countries try to see what hinders them from developing, then I believe that they can rise up and possibly even challenge the more industrialized north.  What I have listed above are merely my opinions of what I think they can do to develop.  However, each country is unique and has different problems from another.  If countries like Singapore and South Korea were able to rise from being 'less developed countries', then I believe that every other country in the world may be able to do so as well.  :)