The Nestle Policy On The Environment Environmental Sciences Essay

The Nestle Policy On The Environment Environmental Sciences Essay Over the past several decades, significant progress has been achieved towards protecting the worlds environment. This objective remains a fundamental duty and a collective responsibility that must be shared between the public, governments and the private sector. As the World Food Company, Nestlà © is dedicated to providing consumers with the best food throughout life. Our Companys primary function is the transformation of perishable raw materials into finished products that meet consumers expectations for safety, quality, convenience, and value. From our earliest days, we have recognized the need to protect the environment in our business activities. Exercising this commitment, which is part of our broader commitment towards the good of the community, remains central to our business today and tomorrow. The Nestlà © Policy on the Environment was published in 1991 to define our world-wide strategy on environmental issues and to state our long-standing commitment to environmentally sound business practices. It is communicated internally within the Nestlà © Group and externally to all interested parties and institutions. Following its publication, the Nestlà © Environmental Management System (NEMS) was established to consolidate all environmental measures taken by the Nestlà © Group. The NEMS is being implemented across our entire business. Today, preserving natural resources and minimizing waste has become a part of day-to-day business for our employees and is an integral part of our strategy to achieve global competitiveness. The 1999 update of the Nestlà © Policy on the Environment reiterates our strong environmental commitment and reflects our priorities as we move into the new millennium. It also recognises developments in the international environmental arena. The application of the Nestlà © Policy on the Environment at every level of our operation forms an essential part of the Nestlà © Corporate Business Principles and enables us to contribute to sustainable development meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Research Development Nestlà ©s research and development centers have two primary objectives: to create new products and manufacturing processes and to improve those that already exist. Along with product quality and safety, the conservation of resources and the preservation of the environment form an integral part of the development criteria for new projects. Research and development encompasses a wide range of environmentally-related activities with emphasis on: environmentally sound production techniques and sourcing criteria for agricultural raw materials; processing methods that minimize water and energy consumption, as well as waste g eneration; packaging designs that reduce total waste and enable environmentally sound disposal options while safeguarding product safety and quality; and innovative ways to recover by-products and thus generate secondary raw materials and energy. For important product or process innovation and renovation, Nestlà ©s research and development centers prepare an environmental impact study. This covers significant aspects in the product life cycle, from the sourcing of raw materials, through processing, to the packaged consumer product and the end-life of the packaging material. This study is carefully evaluated, in conjunction with detailed information on the potential manufacturing site, to ensure that new projects meet Nestlà ©s environmental standards. Of the 807 million Swiss francs spent in 1998 on Nestlà © RD throughout the Group, a good part went towards enhancing the wholesomeness of our products. Additionally, these expenditures improved our production process, created better packaging, and avoided waste and unwanted residues. RD Is Making a Difference As an example, significant progress has been made in recent years in energy and water intensive blanching and cooking operations. At the end of these processes water must be removed which resulted in wasted energy and raw materials vegetables or pasta for example. Now water is replaced by steam at low pressure. As a result, water consumption was reduced by 80% and product losses during cooking were more than halved. This means lower costs for energy and for wastewater treatment, while at the same time increasing the product yield by 6%. In another example, extraction residues from the production of chicory-based instant drinks, which were expensive to dispose of, have been turned into a valuable animal feed ingredient. A recent processing improvement for french fries showed product quality can be significantly improved while also saving energy. One conclusion of RD is that what is good for the environment is often synonymous with good industrial practice. Preserving Species The disappearance of many species and varieties of animals and plants is a reality. Over the past few years, this issue has attracted increasing recognition and much is being done today to preserve the earths biological diversity. Industry plays an important role in these efforts since many business sectors depend on natures diversity for their sustainable success. Nestlà ©, as the worlds largest single buyer of coffee and cocoa, lives up to its responsibility by developing the most advanced preservation techniques for many different coffee and cocoa varieties threatened by extinction. In addition, Nestlà © collaborates with public research institutes to share its experience and makes its results freely available. In the future, Nestlà © RD units are determined to build environmental protection into products and processes right from the start. High on the agenda are integrated farming techniques involving minimal use of fertilizers and chemicals, and recourse to biological pest control methods whenever possible. SUPPLY CHAIN Agricultural Raw Materials In general, Nestlà © is not directly involved in the production of raw materials. Wherever possible, locally available raw materials are used. They are either obtained directly from producers or purchased through trade channels. Nestlà © applies the following principles when sourcing raw materials: all raw materials must meet both legal and internal quality criteria, including limits on possible environmental contaminants; whenever possible, preference is given to raw materials that are produced by environmentally sound farming methods (e.g. integrated crop management); and; farmers are encouraged to apply sustainable farming methods and, where appropriate, are provided with assistance in crop production and dairy farming. Such assistance includes the provision of recommendations for the conservation of natural resources (soil, water, air, energy, bio-diversity) and techniques for reducing environmental impact. Manufacturing Manufacturing comprises all processes that are necessary to transform perishable raw materials into safe and convenient food products for consumers. Nestlà © strives to achieve optimal performance in its manufacturing activities, including the environmental aspects. As such, the manufacturing practices of the Group: respect natural resources by emphasizing the efficient use of raw materials, water and energy; minimize the use of environmentally-hazardous substances; continuously seek improvement in the efficiency of production facilities; and reduce waste generation and emissions as much as possible, consider recycling of waste a priority and dispose of non-recyclable waste in an environmentally sound manner. Regular environmental assessments of Nestlà ©s manufacturing practices are conducted to: evaluate factory performance; review factory compliance with applicable legislation and Nestlà ©s own standards; fully investigate incidents that could affect the environment and take relevant measures; and compare results with previous targets and set new improvement objectives. In addition, Nestlà © exchanges information on environmental protection technology and practices in order to ensure a wide use of best practices. Nestlà © encourages its contract manufacturers to use environmentally sound manufacturing practices. Environmental Performance of Our Factories Minimizing the environmental impact of our factories has always been a prime consideration. Therefore, we periodically review environmental performance of the entire Nestlà © Group. The results are very encouraging: Nestlà © has no major environmental problems. Nestlà © complies with relevant regulations or, in a few exceptional cases, has initiated action to do so. Measures taken are proactive and often anticipate future regulations. Many times, measures taken to improve the environment also reduce costs. These surveys also allow us to put concrete figures to our efforts: Over the past years, Nestlà © has invested an average of some 100 million Swiss francs per year in specific measures to protect the environment. This amounts to approximately 3% of total capital expenditure and includes only readily identifiable environmental investments. In addition, substantial amounts were expended as part of regular capital investment projects and factory environmental operating costs. Examples of these additional expenditures include environmental aspects related to factory construction and renovation, environmental training of personnel, and maintenance costs for wastewater treatment facilities. Recent Environmental Investment The factory environmental surveys are a valuable management tool which are periodically repeated as part of the Nestlà © Environmental Management System (NEMS). Water, Our Top Priority Nestlà © engineers and factory planners have pioneered wastewater treatment the world over. Whenever factories went up, often in remote locations of developing countries, where neither local expectations nor legislation required environmental safeguards of any kind, appropriate wastewater treatment was provided. Nearly 30 million Swiss francs have been invested annually over the past few years in wastewater treatment facilities. While we can be genuinely proud of these achievements around the world, we continue to upgrade existing plants and build new ones where necessary. Examples of Nestlà ©s substantial investments in this area are: As early as 1920 Nestlà © had constructed and started the operation of a wastewater treatment plant in Kempttal near Zurich. At that time it included a settling basin and trickling filter. 1932 saw the addition of a biological component which constituted Switzerlands first wastewater treatment plant operating with activated sludge, a principle still used today. An 80% reduction in water consumption of some cooking processes through an extensive RD project. A facility in Himeji, Japan, serving one of the largest instant coffee factories in the world, was rightly considered a model installation when it was built almost 30 years ago, and thousands of Japanese water treatment specialists have visited it over the years. A facility in Dongguan, China has established itself as a model for wastewater treatment. It too is visited regularly by Chinese wastewater specialists. Reducing Air Emissions Another important investment area is for air protection. The biggest environmental investments over the past few years went into the conversion of heating units from heavy fuel to natural gas. When these conversions can be used to install combined steam and power generation systems; impressive energy savings are achieved in addition to environmental benefits. Therefore, we favor these co-generation plants wherever feasible. Co-generation processes are much more efficient than conventional power plants and therefore usually lead to a significant, global reduction in both energy consumption and release of greenhouse gases. Nestlà © currently operates over 10 co-generation facilities throughout the world. Co-generation examples are: At the Nestlà © Gerona plant in Spain, the co-generation system, commissioned in 1991, reduced gas consumption by 3600 tons of oil, equivalent per year, and decreased overall carbon dioxide emissions by 8000 tons annually. The savings at the York factory in Britain, where a coal-fired boiler house has been replaced by a gas turbine co-generation plant, are very impressive. Carbon dioxide output was reduced from 131,000 tons per year to 59,000 tons per year. Additionally, sulfur dioxide emissions are completely avoided at the factory level (650 tons per year) and cut by more than half, from 1059 to 436 tons, at the level of the supplying national power station. Phasing Out Ozone-Damaging CFCs The characteristics of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) make them suitable for a wide range of refrigeration and air conditioning applications necessary for many of Nestlà ©s manufacturing processes. However, there is evidence that they contribute to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. This has led to several inter-governmental agreements to phase out the use of CFCs. Nestlà © anticipated this phase out early and has established a detailed CFC phase-out program to replace CFCs used in industrial refrigeration systems with non-CFC alternatives. To date, Nestlà © has reduced its CFC emissions by more than 80% of 1986 levels. We are committed to continuing to address the issue of ozone-depleting substances and further improve these dramatic results. Recovering Solid Waste Landfills in many countries are rapidly approaching their limits, thus becoming a costly and cumbersome problem. However, Nestlà © has stopped looking at solid waste as part of the problem, but as part of the solution. Solid waste has become a valuable raw material when recycled, composted or used for fuel in energy recovery processes. Coffee grounds, which are a by-product of instant coffee manufacturing, is a case in point: Much of the investment related to solid waste is earmarked to build coffee ground energy-recovery systems that use the coffee grounds energy value to produce steam for our factories. In Raja Muda, Malaysia we installed this state-of-the-art machinery, the first of its kind in Asia, outside Japan. Now coffee grounds are used as fuel. Thus, for every 100 tons of coffee grounds we save the equivalent of about 40 tons of fossil fuel. The decision to develop and install this energy-recovery system is typical for how Nestlà © anticipates problems and pioneers solutions. Additionally, in some markets factory solid wastes are composted to produce a high quality soil amendment product. In some cases this product is packaged and sold for use as a 1natural fertilizer. In New Milford Connecticut, USA Nestlà © built a state of the art composting facility that processes both solid and liquid wastes, sludges, and by-products from its local factories, co-packers, and distribution centers. Additionally, the composting facility provides a solution to the local community for disposal of landscaping and gardening wastes, which are banned from landfills in that area. This facility recycles more than 50,000 tons of waste materials annually, preventing them from going to landfills. Packaging Packaging serves a major role in our daily lives. It protects food products from spoilage and ensures safety from manufacture through storage, distribution and consumption. Packaging may also provide tamper-evidence features. It communicates information, including nutritional information and serving instructions, and provides the convenience demanded by todays consumers. Nestlà © is committed to reducing the environmental impact of packaging, without jeopardizing the safety, quality or consumer acceptance of its products. It is Nestlà ©s objective to develop safe and wholesome packaged foods using the most efficient and appropriate packaging materials available, while, at the same time, satisfying consumer requirements and expectations. Nestlà © seeks packaging solutions that: result in the lowest possible weight and volume of packages; take into account new packaging materials and processes that reduce the impact on the environment; avoid the use of substances that can adversely impact the environment during packaging production and disposal; decrease packaging waste at all stages, including package manufacturing, use and disposal; increase the use of recycled materials wherever possible; and increase the recyclability and compatibility of its packages with existing packaging waste management schemes. Regular assessments of Nestlà ©s packaging are carried out and action plans are implemented. Nestlà © supports industrial and governmental efforts to promote integrated waste management that takes into consideration matters such as source reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy recovery, and landfill. Nestlà © encourages suppliers of its packaging materials to adopt sound environmental practices. Packaging Source Reduction Packaging waste is one environmental issue that affects the entire consumer goods industry. However, the gap is wide between reality and perception: While food packaging accounts for less than 1% of total solid waste in most countries, it is highly visible to consumers. Even if the problem of food packaging is small in relation to overall environmental problems, it is nevertheless an important issue for Nestlà ©. The most direct opportunity to reduce the scale of the problem is to use as little material as possible. This is not a recent effort by the food industry. Over the last four decades, between the 1950s and 1990s, the weight of a glass milk bottle has been reduced by 36%, a steel food can by 66%, and an aluminium beer can by 81%. Even though packaging source reduction has always been a consideration, we decided to reinforce these efforts in a more systematic way. The first world-wide environmental packaging survey was completed in 1991 for the Nestlà © Group and has been repeated annually ever since. The last survey revealed that by the end of 1998, Nestlà ©, without compromising product quality, reduced our use of packaging materials by nearly 150,000 tons compared to 1990. These reductions resulted in savings of approximately 250 million Swiss francs. Cumulative Reductions in Packaging Materials Examples of Packaging Source Reduction A few recent examples that underline Nestlà ©s efforts: In Australia the Easter Egg Novelty cartons were reduced in size by altering the design to provide support for the egg. The new design resulted in a 31% reduction in use of paper board. In Pakistan the Nestlà © NIDO package, which consisted of 4 bags in a display box, was replaced by an aluminium stand-up pouch. This resulted in a 39% reduction, or 47 tons, and saves 290,000 Swiss francs per year. In Indonesia the Nestlà © Dancow 200 and 400g display boxes were reduced in size by 18 and 25%, respectively. This resulted in a waste reduction of 38 tons and saved nearly 100,000 Swiss francs per year. In Columbia the display box for Maggi bouillon tablets was eliminated. This resulted in a reduction of 303 tons of packaging material and represented a savings of over one million Swiss francs per year. While important progress has already been achieved, we strive to continuously identify opportunities for further reduction. Distribution Distribution of products from the factory to the customer involves transport and storage. Efficient management of the distribution system is essential to preserve the safety and quality of Nestlà ©s products, to ensure a high level of customer service, and to meet its commitment to environmentally sound business practices. To this end, Nestlà ©: selects appropriate transportation modes, with particular attention given to optimum unit loads (pallets), vehicle-capacity utilization, route planning, and consolidation with outside partners, scheduling, and fuel conservation; optimises warehouse and distribution center locations and environmentally efficient operational systems; and identifies and implements measures to reduce energy consumption and waste. Nestlà © encourages its distribution service providers to use environmentally sound practices. Distributing our goods from factory to retail centers consumes some 400 million liters of fuel each year. While we undertake every effort to reduce this, it is useful to put this figure into perspective: the distribution of 10 kg of our products from factories to retail outlets in Europe requires an average of 0.25 liters of fuel. To transport the same amount from the supermarket to home, consumers burn, on average, one to two liters of fuel. Efficient Container Loading Improving transport efficiency benefits the environment, but it also makes economic sense. Seemingly simple measures, such as replacing bulky wooden pallets by thin, carton-type slip-sheets, have the potential to save more than 600 international truck journeys a year in our European operations alone. Optimizing shipping cases to fill transport vehicles without leaving gaps between differently shaped containers, together with optimal route planning, Nestlà © has already achieved substantial savings. Pioneering Rail Transport In countries with competitive railways, moving goods from road to rail is an effective option to reduce road congestion. For example: Vittel has developed a specially adapted block train concept to supply its regional terminals in France. Vittel transports nearly half of its production, or over 930 million bottles per year, by rail. Our Swiss, and later the Austrian subsidiary, convinced the railways to offer overnight trains to bring goods from the national distribution centers to terminal stations for local deliveries by road. Marketing Marketing is based on the principle of satisfying consumers needs. The overall trust of consumers in Nestlà ©s brands and products comes from a quality image that has been continuously strengthened for over 130 years. Nestlà © strives to increase this trust through its commitment to environmentally sound business practices. For this reason, Nestlà ©: opposes short-term, opportunistic green marketing that can mislead the consumer; bases environmental claims in advertising, promotional material, labelling, and corporate communications on solid scientific evidence; and selects materials and printing methods for merchandising materials such as consumer offers, in-store promotions, display materials, leaflet, and printed materials in light of environmental considerations. No Green Marketing Nestlà © adheres to the Code on Environmental Advertising established by the International Chamber of Commerce. This Code is based on the principle of self-regulation and self-discipline and is intended to assist companies in making responsible use of environmental claims in advertising. Sustainable Development For Nestlà ©, respect for the environment is part of a broader perspective on sustainable development. Nestlà © has adhered to The Business Charter for Sustainable Development of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) since its publication in 1991. Measures for environmental protection often trigger beneficial economic and social effects, and vice-versa. Since the Rio Summit in 1992, all of society, be it governments, industry, NGOs or others, have tried to translate the sustainable development concept into reality. As part of this effort, we participate in the work of several organizations dealing with this subject: For example, we are a founding member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in Geneva, and we contribute actively in the Working Group Sustainable Development in the City of Vevey. Nestlà © Working with Communities South Africa Nestlà © is supporting several community-based organizations in putting sustainable development into practice. Recently, in South Africa, we have given support to Eco Link and LEAP to finance and help manage programs which clean up the environment and improve hygiene in rural areas. The Eco Link project is aimed at providing assistance through education. People are taught to collect litter such as paper, cardboard and cans, which when put in a trench and covered with a compost can then be used to plant vegetables. The litter provides the necessary drainage and moisture retention. The project has dual advantages: it cleans up the environment and provides fresh vegetables for the family, as well as providing an income when surplus food is grown. This program is now being presented to school children who are encouraged to grow small gardens at school. In rural areas water supply is a major problem. Women can spend almost 5 hours a day collecting water for the home. In addition, the springs from which they take the water are often used by animals and can be polluted. Nestlà © is taking part in a project to help villagers establish a supply of clean water near to home. People were taught how to identify sources of underground springs and to channel rain water and store it in reasonably hygienic conditions. The team taught villagers how to construct a tank to catch the rain water using corrugated iron and wire mesh as a mould which is then plastered with a cement, stone and sand mixture. With a wooden cover on top and a tap at the base the villagers have the means to store clean, drinkable water. Information, Communication Training Nestlà © provides information on its activities, including those related to the protection of the environment. Within this context, Nestlà ©: communicates its environmental efforts, both inside and outside the Company, to build understanding concerning its environmental commitment; fosters strong environmental awareness and responsibility among its employees through training programs; and shares environmental information with governments, local communities, industry, consumers and other interested stakeholders. We do this through a wide variety of means. For example, our factory environmental surveys involve thousands of people at all levels, from top management to the factory floor. These practical exercises are reinforced by in-house magazines, specialized newsletters, and videos. To help educate the public, Nestlà © works with organizations that produce films on environmental issues, sponsor re-forestation programs, or create educational materials for the public. These activities are also important to our role in sustainable development. At our international training center in Switzerland, environmental issues are now a regular part of courses attended by Nestlà ©s international executives. These efforts are multiplied by countless training sessions organized by our Group companies. Internal communication and training are a priority for Nestlà ©. As a people-driven company, employees are our most important asset. Thus, we emphasize all measures that help them act in an environmentally responsible manner.

Negotiation Strategy Analysis Essay

Negotiation strategies are used to make negotiations successful. Depending on the type of situation, the negotiations may differ in tactics. This essay will examine two articles different in strategies that use integrative tactics. One article will have a distributive strategy (win-lose), and the other article will have an integrative strategy (win-win). The tactics used in the articles will be related to a work setting involving prospective buyers and apartment companies to create a negotiation in a win-win outcome. Article I – Hostage Takeover Negotiation  This article is about the strategy and tactics used in a hostage takeover. Several tactics have been used in hostage takeovers throughout the years. The strategic strategies are about who holds the power. Some strategies show the hostage taker that the negotiator or the police have the power by taking items away from the hostage taker. Some items that can be taken away are the power to the building and the hostage taker’s ability to negotiate. This type of negotiation can create aggression in the hostage taker. This aggression can lead to an unsuccessful negotiation. In the following example, a different type of strategy is used in a hostage situation. According to Justin Borowsky (2011), a strategy that helps to build the relationship between the negotiator and the hostage taker can bring a favorable outcome. Instead of aggravating the hostage taker, a negotiator can gain the trust and support of the hostage taker. This type of negotiation is a distributive strategy (win-lose) using integrative tactics. The tactics used to gain this relationship is to build rapport by affirmation of the hostage taker’s power. This rapport and affirmation helps the hostage taker to believe he is in control. As the rapport is built, the hostage taker starts to look on the negotiator as his friend. The hostage taker starts to trust the negotiator and listens to alternatives and starts to plan for a good outcome. The negotiator displays a we-are-in-this-together scenario to the hostage taker. This scenario helps to form conversational flexibility creating the officer to obtain a role that has him working collaboratively with the hostage taker. As the officer builds the relationship with the hostage taker, the hostage taker starts to listen and works collectively with the officer to find alternatives to hurting the hostages and obtaining what he or she needs. The officer also is uncovering the needs of the hostage taker to assist in making a smooth transaction. These strategies and tactics have led to a positive outcome for the hostage and a successful negotiation with the hostage taker. The outcome is more of a distributing negotiation as the negotiator wins and the hostage taker loses. Article II – Disabled Individuals and Home Builders This article consists of the negotiation between house builders and the disabled buyers. In this negotiation, the builder has to understand the interests and the needs of the disabled buyer to have a successful outcome to the negotiations. The disabled population consists of 8. 5 million people. Builders are starting to realize that the disabled persons are also customers. The previous thought pattern on the disabled was that the state takes care of them. This is not true. Disabled individuals lead lives in the same manner as nondisabled persons. A disabled person has the ability and the need for home ownership. The disabled population has had tough negotiations with building houses to meet the needs of his or her disability. The builders will allow an individual to make changes to the initial house plan to suit his or her needs. However, many disabled buyers have a difficult time with builders who do not understand the needs of the disabled. The negotiation process is oftentimes a long process to fully uncover the buyer’s needs. This type of negotiation is an integrative bargaining strategy. An integrative bargaining strategy allows both parties to gain a beneficial outcome (Lewicki, Saunders, & Barry, 2006). With changes to the house design to fulfill the needs of the disability, a disabled person can appreciate the dream of owning a home. The changes that disable persons need in a house, most builders think are extras. The builders are willing to make the changes; however, the changes made do cost the disabled person extra money (Burns, 2004). Compare and Contract Strategies The two articles addressed in this essay are very different negotiation. However, both of the negotiations have the same tactics in relationship building to have a successful outcome. In the hostage takeover, the negotiator built a relationship on trust and we-can-do-this-together attitude. In the disabled house building, the disabled person built a relationship with the builder to gain the trust and respect needed to accomplish the goal. Another tactic used was interest based bargaining. In both articles the parties addressed the interest of the other party. This interest-based bargaining assisted in the success of the negotiations. The difference between these two articles in the negotiation was the distributive outcome versus the integrative outcome. In the hostage takeover article, the negotiator was gaining the relationship and trust of the hostage taker to gain ground to take the hostage taker out of commission before he killed or hurt a hostage. This trust and relationship building was essential but was also not a true picture of the negotiator. The negotiator had no intentions of continuing the relationship after the success of obtaining the hostage. The builder and the disabled person’s relationship was a true friendship. This relationship could continue throughout the years. Current Work Setting The above two articles relate to the negotiations of a buyer obtaining residential housing through relationship building. Both articles express the tactic of listening skills, relationship building, trust, and uncovering the needs of the other party. When a prospective renter is shopping for a place to live, his or her needs are the most important. However, the needs of the rental company are also important. By entering into an integrative negotiation, both parties can have a successful outcome. For example, a prospect may be looking for a two-bedroom apartment that has a washer and drying already in the unit. The prospect may also be looking to stay under $650 in rent. The apartment company may have apartments that have washer and dryer hookups but not washer and dryers in the unit. The apartment company can elect to listen to the need of the prospect and rent the washer and dryer for the unit. The apartment company can also offer the prospect an apartment that will be within the prospect’s budget. This type of negotiation will continue to build the rapport between the prospect and the apartment company during the prospect’s residency. Conclusion Some distributive negotiations can use the tactics of the integrative strategy in negotiations as shown in the hostage takeover. Good listening skills, uncovering needs of the other party, and gaining trust will lead to a successful negotiation. No matter which type of negotiation is to occur, preparation by uncovering the needs and wants of the other party will help a negotiator gain leverage and success in the negotiation.

Causes Of The Cold War - 1716 Words

Introduction The Cold War, a conflict between the United States and Soviet Union, the two global superpowers at the time. Given the name â€Å"Cold War† only for the fact that neither the Soviet Union nor the United States fought directly with one another, instead the war was waged through allies in the form of proxy wars and through increased use of intensive espionage, a never-ending arms race, immense technological competition and on a political forefront as both sides tried to gain the upper hand. The Cold War defined both countries policies throughout its following years, each side viewed the Cold War as a battle between civilizations; in the worldwide clash between American capitalism and Soviet Communism, ultimately leading to the†¦show more content†¦(DONE) The fog of war, the idea that war is so complex that the human mind cant even comprehends all the variables that could potentially occur. â€Å"If the cold war was a security dilemma, both sides should have been preoccupied with defending themselves instead they sought to control, more expansionistic rather than a traditional defensive state. Although real disagreements and sources of conflict might have existed, the main obstacle to potential settlements of these issues would not have been the disagreements themselves, but the fear on each side of being exploited by the other side. If each side had been able to discern the other’s motives, much of the conflict would have been avoided.† (Jervis, 2006) Joseph Stalin’s, the Soviet Union leader from 1929 till 1953 and the reason for the Soviet Union rise from a suffering society into a military superpower, style and his knowledge of Soviet weakness led him to adopt tactics that were likely to increase Western fear and hostility. He told Vyacheslav Molotov, a Soviet politician loyal to Stalin and his policies: â€Å"It is obvious that in dealing with such partners as the U.S. and Britain we cannot achieve anything serious if we begin to give in to intimidation or betray uncertainty. To get anything from this kind of partner, we must arm ourselves with the policy of tenacity and steadfastness.† (Harper, 2011. Pg 57) The Cold War was not a security dilemma, we can analyse the actions of each leader and see that they sought toShow MoreRelatedCauses Of The Cold War1396 Words   |  6 PagesThe Cold War was a political, ideological and sometimes indirect military confrontation that took place after the Second World War betw een the two largest powers in the world: The United States and the Soviet Union. The conflict between these two great powers intensified without a real war on the ground. It was a silent war characterized by both powers in an arms race with the most lethal weapons without actually using these weapons. That is why that war was known as the Cold War. In this paper,Read MoreCauses Of The Cold War1108 Words   |  5 PagesThe Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union spanned almost half of a century. It led to worldwide fears and anxiety over the possibility of nuclear war and the desolation of mankind. It led to various proxy wars, costing the lives of millions in foreign nations and thousands of American and Soviet soldiers. With so much fear, death, money, and willpower going into the conflict, there must be an easy answer as to what force caused and drove the conflict. However, this topic is notRead MoreCauses Of The Cold War984 Words   |  4 Pages The Cold War has lived in infamy in the minds of many people today. The influence of it can be regarded as one of the most terrifying events that could have transpired, and particularly terrifying to its citizens who lived in constant fear of complete annihilation. From the first events to the fall out of a nuclear war, almost all citizens would have no shelter from the devastation of an atomic war. The roots of the Cold War can be found in several main points starting from the Second World WarRead MoreCauses Of The Cold War1388 Words   |  6 PagesLESSON 26 - The Cold War Objectives: Identify the causes for the start of the Cold War Identify key actions taken by the US and the Soviet Union to prepare for war Identify how the Cold War impacted American lifestyle Identify actions taken worldwide between the Cold War combatants The Cold War Begins The Cold War was the state of hostility, without direct military confrontation, between the United States and the Soviet Union. The formation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945Read MoreCauses And Effects Of The Cold War1370 Words   |  6 PagesAbi Amarnath Mrs. Saunders 12 November 2014 English II Causes and Effects of the Cold War Richard Nixon once said of the Cold War that â€Å"the Cold War isn t thawing; it is burning with a deadly heat. Communism isn t sleeping; it is, as always, plotting, scheming, working, fighting.†(www.brainyquote.com). An analysis of the Cold War between 1947-1991 reveals that the Cold War was caused by a difference in political ideals between the USA and the Soviet Union, the aftermath of WWII, and the â€Å"IronRead More Causes Of The Cold War Essay608 Words   |  3 Pages Causes of the Cold War nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The Cold War occurred during a time of rebuilding for Europe. It characterized international relations and dominated the foreign policies of Europe. It affected all of Europe and determined lasting alliances. The Cold War was caused by the social climate and tension in Europe at the end of World War II and by the increasing power struggles between the Soviet Union. 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The responsibility of the origins of the Cold War often triggers questions among historians yet both powers should be blamed for taking part in it. The origins of the Cold War can often be associated with fear, greed and revenge. Through most analyses, the fault was often given to Stalin’s ambitions to expandRead More Causes of the Cold War Essay741 Words   |  3 PagesCauses of the Cold War In this paper I will discuss what actions and thoughts added up to cause the cold war. The cold war lasted from September 1, 1945 to about December 25, 1991. That is about forty-five years, which is an extremely long time. The cold war was a global competition basically between two sides, the Free World, which was led by the United States of America, and the Communist World led by the Soviet Union. The struggle took place through indirect military conflict, and directRead MoreThe Causes of the Cold War Essay2058 Words   |  9 PagesIn discussions of the causes of the Cold War, one controversial issue has been the question: who caused the Cold War? On the one hand, traditional historians argue that the leaders of the Soviet Union are to blame. On the other hand, revisionists contend that the Western leaders are to blame. Others even maintain that it was both the Western and the Soviet leaders who are equally responsible for the development of the Cold War. My own view is that th e Western leaders were responsible for protecting

Can Eighteen-Year-Olds Use Their Right to Vote Reasonably

Can Eighteen-Year-Olds Use Their Right to Vote Reasonably? When people reach the age of 18, they plunge into a world of new opportunities and liabilities. From now on they are considered full-fledged members of society with all that it implies: they can take responsible posts, marry, and do everything that is not prohibited by law. They start to make important decisions considering their life and future and start to learn how to live independently. That is, of course, the best course of events, but it is not always so. All the people are different, have their own characters and destiny. That is why not everyone is ready to live on their own at this age. They can’t be blamed for it, as that is their nature. To my mind, at this moment it is better for a person to start thinking over their future life and preparing foundation for it. Each person at the age of 18 has gained enough knowledge and skills to do it, but not everyone wants to, and that is a personal matter. Anyway, at this age we can witness a mature personality and even he/she is not able to take independent decisions – there is no guarantee that at the age of 25 he will be able to do it. Thus, this age is an important milestone of people’s life, when it is clear what a person really is and what he/she can achieve in several years. Thus, I think that this age is absolutely appropriate to start voting. Those who have already formed a strong personality and know what they want from life can really make valuable contribution into nation’s choice, while those who are still not mature enough probably will not be able to make such choice in 5 years as well.