• There are likely to be references to more than one war
• Arguments for resolutions of various conflicts may be advanced
• What might be defined as a ‘just war’?
• World War Two, for example, or the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iraq wars, civil wars
• Examples of where negotiations and/or treaties have prevented conflict
• Distinctions may be drawn between ‘wars’ and terrorism
• The so-called ‘war on terror’ may be mentioned
• One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter
• Allow for thoughtful interpretations of the term ‘war’
Month: April 2018
‘Young people are sometimes treated as second-class citizens.’ How far would you agree?
Keywords: ‘Young people’ and ‘second-class citizens’ and ‘How far’.
- Lack of rights for under 18s
- Stereotyping of youth is prevalent
- Most youth are seen as idealistic and labelled as irresponsible
- Degree of parental control – excessive or liberal – can impact the family and the youth
- The respect for youth and status in society is non existant
- Facilities for young people (e.g. employment, youth organisations and counselling are inadequate
- The degree of exploitation is very high for young people, particularly in employment setting as they are paid low wages or even coerced to work
Examine why some democratic countries find it difficult to hold ‘safe and fair’ elections.
Key words: ‘Examine’, ‘democratic’, ‘difficult’, ‘safe and fair’, elections’
• Change from dictatorship (Arab spring/Libya/Egypt)
• Instability (still supporters of the old regime)
• Elections are complex, involving a whole population (the problem of logistics)
• Open to bribery and corruption (the problem of independent monitoring)
• Violent intimidation prevents turnout
• It can appear a sham eg, present government manipulates the process to win re-election
• Tends to be difficult in developing countries –depends whether there is a tradition of democracy
• Cost and security of election booths
• Some response might choose to emphasise the fairness of the system via discussion of media involvement, smear campaigns etc.
‘Crime affects the whole of society, not just the immediate victims.’ Discuss.
- Society can be defined as small groups. It is not necessary to view society as a big world.
- Barometer of safety and security has to be maintained in a society.
- Constant media coverage can instil fear among people.
- Society’s monitoring of the victims of crime affects attitudes and confidence in the justice system
- The impact of crime depends whether it is localised or happens in the same neighbourhood
- It could also depend on whether the victims are known family, friends or neighbours
- Society can view victims with indifference, as a reality show as if it couldn’t happen to them
‘There are alternative ways to feed the world other than through biotechnology.’ Discuss
Mass hunger still exists alongside a huge food surplus.
There is a need to highlight the politics of food, the ownership of resources, control of markets, and decision-making power.
Consideration of GM claims has increased yields but there is resistance to disease. Some critics say yield gains have been minimal and GM seed is expensive
Technology may decrease biodiversity and contribute to the evolution of superweeds and the consequent use of herbicides creates damage via pesticide drift.
People are still hungry due to economic marginalisation and political impotence
While GM food can solve the problem of hunger, science can encourage the neglect of other priorities; health, education, housing
Support should be given to smallholder farmers and landless rural workers – agro-ecology