Crisis of Modernity and Mutations of Sovereignty Essay Example for Free

Crisis of Modernity and Mutations of Sovereignty Essay As we live in the postmodern stage of capitalism, the crisis modernity has been deeply felt at the realm of sovereignty. It is because of the fact that the crisis of modernity is same time a crisis of nation state as well. Modernity was not only characterized by imperialism but also the by the emergence of nation states as a direct result of anti-colonial struggles. Sovereignty sans Nation States However, at present, the nation state is in the retreat. The Weberian idea of nation state as the sole monopoliser of legitimate means of violence has become a thing of past. While pointing out the rise of global capitalist hierarchy, Hardt and Negri assert that â€Å"the end of [modern] colonialism is also the end of the modern world and modern regimes of rule† (Hardt Negri, 2000, p. 134). It is not only the multilevel governance by intergovernmental institutions such as World Bank and IMF but also by the perpetrators of notions such as humanitarian intervention and just war, the nation state is being effectively surpassed. The gradual withering away of the nation state of course does not lead into the end of sovereignty. It is merely a shift from the postcolonial formal sovereignty to the real sovereignty of empire as we live through the stage total subsumption by capital. The imperial sovereignty which is originated fro the crisis of modernity is characterized by the network model of expansionist power. According to Hardt and Negri, power within the empire is not limited by the fixed boundaries. On the contrary, the imperial power â€Å"finds the logic of its order always renewed and always re-created in expansion† (ibid, p. 167). Therefore, imperial sovereignty (re)creates its own borders beyond its borders. Conclusion As modernity was characterized by colonial sovereignty of the imperialist powers, it needed nation states to function within the boundaries. But, the passage from modernity to postmodernity supersedes the nation states for the imperial sovereignty which is an open network of power. Reference Hardt, Michael, And Negri, Antonio, (2000) Empire, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

Planck V. Indiana :: essays research papers

Planck v. Indiana In the reviewing the case of Planck v. Indiana, many complicated issues arise. Included in those, individual rights conflicting with the public good are among the most difficult. According to Mr and Mrs. Planck's attorney, John Price, the Planck's religious beliefs prohibit them from accepting professional medicine practice, as they practice alternative medicine and home school their children. After a complaint from an older Planck daughter, who did not embrace or respect her family's lifestyle, the state was called in to investigate the health of the Planck children. In a preliminary check by the state of Indiana for eyesight, Lance Planck was found not to be in need of any service. Despite this finding, the Madison County Superior Court ordered that all of the Planck's children's eyes be examined by the state. One month after the Court ordered this, twenty armed officers with guns drawn came to the Planck's residence and commanded Mr. and Mrs. Planck to give up their children. Mr. Planck told the officers that he did not know why they were there, was pushed to the ground and had loaded rifles pointed at him. The children were then forcibly removed from their parents custody, and at no time was any identification shown by the officers. Curt, Lance Planck's younger brother, resisted this removal from his house, and was threatened by an officer that he would be "dragged out of here." After this scene, Emily, Stephen, and Curtis Planck were loaded into a van and driven to an eye doctor in Anderson, Indiana. The examining doctor, Dr. Joseph Woschitz, came to the conclusion that no treatment was needed for any of the children. How can the state justify this type of behavior? Is ripping a child unwillingly from his mother's arms in the best interest of the public good? What does society have to benefit from this? In short, this does not affect the public good per se, but does affect the Plancks and any other family that practices a religion that is not widely accepted. Following the above events, Mr. and Mrs. Planck were subsequently arrested, had their First Amendment rights violated, and had their home invaded by armed SWAT team members who fired a CS tear gas canister into their house. Simply, Mr. and Mrs. Planck and their children were targeted by the state selectively because of their religious beliefs which they manifested in home education and the practice of alternative medicine. The fundamental argument here is that the Planck's rights have been violated, and the State of Indiana has overstepped its duty of caring for the Planck's children.

Empowerment Paper Essay

In the wake of many recent tragedies including both those created by nature as well as those caused by man, we have seen the number the human service organizations grow beyond leaps and bounds. However how these agencies interact with their clients can play a valuable role when these clients come in to receive services. In trying to meet the needs of all those in the wake of such tragedies, it is often hard to understand how someone can also empower others within the agency that is offering services. In the light of helping everyone, many agencies are now implementing services now geared or centered on or around the needs of their client. However, this is one thing that leaves many human service managers faced with a pressing question: How can a human service program or agency come together and in doing so in a manner that can provide an adequate means for this kind of work? It is often because in today’s standards we see so many agencies working with â€Å"multimillion-dolla r budgets, professional staffs, and expensive facilities that one may find it hard to believe that the underlying philosophy is one that any agency can live on.† However, it is the agency that utilizes an empowerment-focused attitude and the theories that support them that has been an area of centralized research for many organizations for several years. It is the utilization of an empowerment approach within the agency that ensures that if the client can receive services or aid, it will given or done so in a manner that is both respectful as well without bias. At any agency, it should be understood that no matter what we want empowerment to be used not only to lift up the client but also to help to encourage the clients to do better each and every day. It is by using approaches aimed to promote positive energy and strength-based approaches along with client’s strengths can be the basis to build on, as this can help strengthen his or her weaknesses. According to Hardina et al. (2007), social service  management is characterized by 12 fundamental principles in relation to the empowering approach. For the population or consumers addres sed in our dream agency, it is these principles that are of the most importance for them to have a feeling that they belong and that their needs are just as important. For these individuals have already in most cases given up as their cycle of poverty have been occurring generation after generation. For many years many organizations were often quick to use a problem-based approach to helping their clients, and for a long time this was accepted and part of the norm. However, in the past few decades the focus now revolves around that of strength and empowerment (Cowger, 1994). From a social service management point of view, it is this focus that has been to strong an issue to ignore. It is the client, who even with being overwhelmed with other life challenges, when given the opportunity, can play a major role in the organizational decision making process. For they can bring a different view point to the forefront, as most are situations many deal with on a daily basis. It is a known fact that in the social work or the social services arena, decision making is an important task on every level. Understanding that critically, decision regarding the goals of the agency and its interaction within the community as well as how the agency is maintained can and usually made on an administrative level. However, when it relates to the overall continued existence as well as the agency’s effectiveness in addressing the needs and wellness of the client, these are just as important but may be made by other staff within the organization. Providing an answer to or even better finding a means to help in solving their client’s problem is the sole responsibility of service workers and administration alike, but making sure those servicing the client know and understand this as well. It is known that because each client is different so will the challenges one will face in offering them services, so making sure that the staff is properly trained in the area of whatever expertise needed. Having the knowledge as well as the skills is a vision that I can see for the agency that I have in mind. Having an agency in which everyone is treated as an equal and work together in providing encouragement not on to the client but for each fellow co-worker within the agency. Understanding that in the midst of a tragic storm no one situation is more important than  any one else’s, as everyone may have lost some near and dear to them. It is in offering support for those individuals whose situations may have occurred or was c reated by themselves or those in which they may have been a victim. Everyone would like nothing better than to stop the cycle of emotions that often result after a tragedy. Giving clients access to learning about or locating needed resources to find and obtain the services they are in need of can help them begin to heal one principle stated the â€Å"empowerment-oriented organizations acknowledge the limitations of participatory management approaches and take proactive measures to balance inclusion.† For agencies whose consumers are drawn from populations that are marginalized and disempowered these principles are very important. It is also very imperative that to note that in order to meet the urgent needs of people who face multiple sources of oppression and multiple traumas, and again stress that in offering help it is done so in a manner that is in line with respect and dignity. It is my dream agency whose overall commitment is quality service aimed at meeting the needs of the client as well as one in which the staff is well trained in diversity as it relates to the different cultures served. No one will be discriminated against and based on the age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, mental status, or political beliefs. In addressing client diversity, having staff and information available in other languages would be a plus. Also, having a manager that believes whole heartedly the mission statement of the organization. They display even in times of adversity a leadership quality that is in line with what the dream agency is promoting. It is the ability to influence others to follow in approaching the problem head on and in doing so the group can work together to share the knowledge needed to address the problems at hand. Even with one looked upon as a leader any decision made is only one that is looked at as one that they as leader has suggested. Clarifying the role that each will play in helping the client and having a common goal in putting team decisions in priority. It is also in trusting each other that each respects the other as diversity happens not only with the clients served but the tam we may work with, as it is diversity that helps the agency focus and understand the differences of those clients. Find a balance in the team, we emphasize the use of regular in-service meetings as a means to evaluate the effectiveness of open communication. Understanding that together as a team  and with a group effort, the decisions made can be one that when observed together, everyone can gain some satisfaction in knowing that they worked together to get the job done†¦helping the client! In offering the best client care we would need to find and utilize different strategies and implement these strategies inn getting positive feedback from all those involved in the care of the client. These strategies include but are not limited to the following: Adhere to the mission statement and the vision that the agency was created upon. Understand that leadership is agency wide, everyone should be committed to the organizational mission statement. Include everyone that is going to be effected by the decisions made between the agency and the client from the beginning process until they client gain b ack their independence. Respect is agency wide, a supportive network can encourage overall job satisfaction with a better quality output from the employees to pass on to the client. Offer a systematic approach of giving and receiving feedback to monitor if there may be a need for intervention or strategy changes. Technology that offers both the patient and their family a means of gaining much needed information as well as the option to communicate with those involved in their case. It is stated in the text that â€Å"organizational theory is used to explain, and sometimes guide, the way organization work† and whether consciously or not but only when they apply them consciously and based on their own theoretical beliefs will they be more effective. In seeking to put some organization to their program it is understood they still do have other choices. It is this knowledge that the purpose of any agency would be empowerment, but in order for the agency to reach their goal in helping others, the manager must realize their own empowerment. Then and only then can we empower the client to realize their potential so they can return and again become productive in their communities. References Cowger, C. D. (1994). Assessing client strengths: clinical assessment for client empowerment. Social Work. 39(3): 262- 268. Lewis, J. A., Lewis, M. D., & Packard, T. R. (2012). Management of human service programs (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Labor Laws And Labor Policies - 985 Words

Introduction Current labor laws are capable of dealing with labor-management problems. There are many labor laws in the United States that govern employment policies and practices. These laws cover a variety of industries and its workers, and should not be abolished. Five important labor laws that have further clarified labor-management roles includes: Norris LaGuardia, Wagner, Taft-Hartley, Landrum-Griffin, and the Civil Service Reform Act, Title VII. Fossum (2009), states that these five laws â€Å"enables collective bargaining, regulate labor and management activities, and limit intervention by the federal courts in lawful union activities† (p89). Fossum was demonstrating how the laws brought about changes in labor management practices. These laws were mentioned because each one was significant in their ability to bring about change in labor relations through amended legislation. The Workplace Prior to Labor Laws One of the first federal labor laws was the Norris LaGuardia Law of 1932. This law supported organized labor even though it had limited powers at the time. The Society of Human Resource Management [SHRM], (2016), considered it â€Å"a significant victory in labor reform† (SHRM, 2016). This law was a major breakthrough in the 20th century. Prior to the Norris LaGuardia Law of 1932, employees did not have an advocate in the workplace. Employees were thrown in jail and fined if they chose to strike or picket against their employer. The employer would go to courtShow MoreRelated Leadership Ethics and Culture Essay1587 Words   |  7 Pagesorganization. Leaders and employees only engaged in unethical behavior and business practices when conducting business with third world countries. The company had established ethics policies and stated that compliance and integrity was at the core of everything the company does. Furthermore, according to the company’s ethics poli cies, everyone from the top to the bottom would be held to a high ethical standard and violator would be punished (KBR, 2012). According to Boje and Khan (2009) Nike a global, multiculturalRead MoreImmigration Policies Of The United Arab Emirates982 Words   |  4 Pagesthe sphere of immigration policies. A few examples are Italy, Japan and United Arab Emirates. Now that being said all of these places aren’t necessarily unfavorable places for immigrants, they are just found to still hold restricting policies. These policies include paying money for immigrants to leave, detaining them, and refusing rights. Through all established immigration policies there is heavy debate and controversy, but it’s usually pretty easy to agree on policies that come off as too harshRead MoreLabor Unions And The Civil War Essay1409 Words   |  6 PagesLabor unions have existed in one way or another since the birth of our country in 1776. They were created in an effort to protect the working population from abuses such as sweatshops and unsafe working conditions. From the start of our Nation there were a few unio ns organized unions in a scattered fashion, but many were disbanded after they had achieved their goals, such as when the printers and shoemakers briefly unionized in Philadelphia and New York City in 1778 to conduct the first recordedRead MoreThe Law Of The United States1512 Words   |  7 Pagesthe NLRA to find another similar job as soon as possible to mitigate damages or risk the being awarded back pay or the legally unsupported Brown University case, decided by one of the most conservative Boards in recent history, held, â€Å"as a matter of policy,† that graduate student workers were students and, and, therefore, could not be employees as defined by the NLRA. Republic Steel, Dannin, supra note 44 at 260–63. Id. See Consol. Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 220 (1938) (holding that the powerRead MoreHuman Trafficking Supply Chain Risk1160 Words   |  5 Pagesof debt bondage, forced labor, and involuntary child labor. Human Trafficking is also a supply chain issue. Human trafficking in the supply chain may take many forms. For example; a consumer might stay at a hotel where the sheets were made from cotton harvested by migrant farmers who work with no water and no rest. Consume a chocolate they found on their pillow, made from cocoa beans picked using child labor. Order shrimp for dinner which was fished using forced labor and where the dishwashersRead MoreA Social Media Policy724 Words   |  3 PagesThere are a number of governmental policies and regulations in place for employers to consider when developing, implementing and enforcing a social media policy. In contrast, the lack of a social media policy leaves an employer at a loss in regards to their avenues of disciplinary action towards employees who take to social media. The governmental policies revolve around the Constitutional right of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. While this provides some protection for employees thereRead MoreHuman Trafficking : The United Nations Human Rights1162 Words   |  5 Pagessexual exploitation to punishing exploitation in itself. It names forced labor, sexual exploitation, the illegal removal of organs, servitude or practices similar to slavery as forms of exploitation. Germany became a party to the Protocol on 14 June 2006. Germany is also a party to The Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings of 16 May 2005. This is the first convention under international law which gives priority to protecting the victims. It incorporates the principleRead MoreHuman Trafficking : The New Era Of Slavery947 Words   |  4 Pagestrafficking is the new era of slavery! Human trafficking is a horrifying issue happening so close to home and it is increasing by the minute. Many Texas citizens are unaware of human trafficking happening right in their own backyards. Sex trafficking and labor trafficking are to be the most popular types of human trafficking in the United States. In Texas there are man y more domestic victims than illegal immigrant victims of Human Trafficking. However, the Lone Star state has been and continues to be aRead MoreThe Labor Movement During The Nineteenth Century903 Words   |  4 PagesThe labor movement and the need to organize as a united voice for worker’s rights came about during the nineteenth century. During this time, worker’s faced long hours which turned into long workweeks, often times requiring workers to work six days a week with ten or more hours per day for very low wages and in conditions that were unsafe or unhealthy. In most cases, workers were at the mercy of the companies that employed them and had few options to improve their work conditions and even less recourseRead MoreChild Labor Is Work That Harms Children1359 Words   |  6 PagesWhat is child labor exactly? Well, child labor is work that harms children and keeps them from attending school. Around the world and in the U.S., growing gaps between rich and poor in recent decades have forced millions or young children out of school and into slavery like work. The international labor organization estimates that 215 million children between the ages 5-17 currently work under conditions that are considered illegal,hazardous, or extremely exploitative. Underage children work all

A Review of the Dr. Seuss Classic, The Lorax

Since The Lorax, a picture book by Dr. Seuss, was first published in 1971, it has become a classic. For many children, the Lorax character has come to symbolize concern for the environment. However, the story has been somewhat controversial, with some adults embracing it and others seeing it as anti-capitalist propaganda. The story is more serious than most Dr. Seuss books and the moral more direct, but his wonderful zany illustrations, use of rhyme and made-up words and unique characters lighten the story and make it appealing to children 6 and older. The Story A little boy who wants to learn about the Lorax explains to the reader that the only way to find out about the Lorax is to go to the old Once-lers home and give him ...fifteen cents/and a nail/and the shell of a great grandfather snail... to tell the story. The Once-ler tells the boy it all began long ago when there was an abundance of brightly colored Truffula trees and no pollution. The Once-ler concentrated on expanding his business, adding to the factory, shipping more and more fruit and making more and more money. In telling the story to the little boy, the Once-ler assured him, I meant no harm. I most truly did not. / But I had to grow bigger. So bigger I got. The Lorax, a creature who speaks on behalf of the trees, appears to complain about the pollution from the factory. The smoke was so bad that the Swomee-Swans could no longer sing. The Lorax sent them off to escape the smog. The Lorax also angrily pointed out that all of the byproducts from the factory were polluting the pond and he also took the Humming-Fish away. The Once-ler had grown tired of the Loraxs complaints and angrily yelled at him that the factory was going to get bigger and bigger. But just then, they heard a loud sound. It was the sound of the very last Truffula tree falling. With no more Truffula trees available, the factory closed. All the Once-lers relatives left. The Lorax left. What remained was the Once-ler, an empty factory and pollution. The Lorax disappeared, leaving only a small piece of rocks, with the one word...UNLESS. For years, the Once-ler wondered and worried about what that meant. Now he tells the young boy he understands. UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. Its not. The Once-ler then throws the very last Truffula tree seed down to the boy and tells him hes in charge. He needs to plant the seed and protect it. Then, maybe the Lorax and the other animals will return. Impact What makes The Lorax so effective is the combination of a step-by-step look at cause and effect: how unfettered greed can destroy the environment, followed by an emphasis on positive change through individual responsibility. The storys end emphasizes the impact one person, no matter how young, can have. While the rhyming text and entertaining illustrations keep the book from being too heavy, Dr. Seuss definitely gets his point across. Because of this, the book is frequently used in elementary and middle school classrooms. Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss was the most prominent of several pseudonyms that Theodor Seuss Geisel used for his childrens books. For an overview of some of his most well-known books, see.

The True Nature Of Moral Responsibility - 936 Words

The theory that I find true to the true nature of moral responsibility and its relation to human freedom and determinism would be compatibilism. Compatibilism is the claim that we are both determined and that we have moral responsibility (Lawhead 120). It offers a solution to the free will problem. Free will goes along with determinism because of the moral responsibility and it is incompatibility between each other. We are still held responsible for our voluntary actions and our actions are still determined. Because free will is typically taken to be a necessary condition of moral responsibility, compatibilism is sometimes expressed as a thesis about the compatibility between moral responsibility and determinism (McKenna). He or she can be morally responsible even if determinism is true, which there are logical reasons that this could be true. In this paper I will defend how compatibilism is tied up with both freedom and moral responsibility and give some examples that will support my argument for compatibilism. Also talk about the other two, determinism and libertarianism and give examples and then explain why I still agree on compatibilism. Free will is like a box of chocolates, unless you do not eat the free will chocolates, you will not feel guilty. How can one feel guilty for what they are compelled to do? It also depends on how we explain free will; free will in this case is how one acts out on their own will. Our genetics can determine how we can act. When ourShow MoreRelatedFree Will And Determinism Can Go Together1447 Words   |  6 Pagescompelling version of free will. I believe that humans are not truly free, they have free will but much of their lives are determined by other external causes because of the dual nature of decisions. First I will argue what the theory of compatibilist is and why it is the most reasonable. Then I will look at the moral responsibility someone has with this view and its opposing argument. To be a soft determinist or a compatibilist, there are certain conditions that must be followed. One is the beliefRead MoreGalen Strawson s Argument On Determinism1404 Words   |  6 PagesThe argument I am go to object to is Galen Strawson’s argument that states moral responsibility is impossible, even if determinism is true or false. The argument does not rely on determinism alone for it to be valid. As stated in his basic argument, we do not contain the ability to be morally responsible of something even if our actions are determined or not. I believe this is false. Strawson’s premise two of his basic argument would be invalid and it would follow that the other premises as wellRead MoreTo What Extent Is It True to Claim That People Have an Individual Sense of Moral Responsibility for Environment? (35 Marks)1527 Words   |  7 Pagesextent is it true to claim that people have an individual sense of moral responsibility for environment? (35 marks) When looking at environmental ethics, we are focusing on our attitudes towards the impact on the biological and geological aspects of our planet and whether human actions maintains or disturbs the balance between the planets different life forms and geological systems. This essay will include exploring theories and deciding whether we have an individual moral responsibility towardsRead MoreSaving Morality: The Implications of Hard Determinism 1116 Words   |  5 Pagesresults in some serious consequences for moral responsibility. At its most extreme interpretation a form of moral nihilism arises. †Without God ... everything is permitted now.†[1] That is, if determinism holds true, then there is no free choice, and without free choice there can be no moral responsibility. By taking hard determinism to its logical conclusion, and evaluating the results of a steadfast adherence to the theory this paper serves to show that moral nihilism is not the inevitable end toRead MoreThe Between Science And Metaphysical Frameworks1568 Words   |  7 Pagesserve a higher power who admonishes our moral and ethical duties. The concern about a divine framework and the so-called â€Å"grand scheme† within it, is a fruitless tree of thought, made important only by those who seek to instill false hope and ultimately stoke the fires of fear through their pontification. It is a metaphysical rocking chair that lulls to sleep the individual s self-awareness and reason, as well as the individual s moral and ethical responsibility for the entirety of the human conditionRead MoreMax Weber s Politics As A Vocation860 Words   |  4 Pages An ethic of responsibility is more compatible with politics, as it allows the response to a situation to be determined by the circumstances rather than inflexible rules, while still maintaining accountability for one’s own actions. This flexibility is most necessitated by the politicians use of vio lence. There is a fallacy that an â€Å"ethic of ultimate ends† and an â€Å"ethic of responsibility† are incompatible and cannot be reconciled. A politician can follow an ethic of responsibility, while still followingRead MoreHuman Rights in Islam: Individual‚Äà ´s Rights of Freedom1152 Words   |  5 Pagesof the world. It helps mankind overcome oppressive tyrants, unjust laws, lusts, deviation and psychological complexes which enslave his will. Submission to the will of Allah grants man the right to choose a better way of life, to live his life in a moral and upright way. Islam was revealed to the Prophet of humanity as merciful, eternal and all powerful. If during his life man submits to the will of Allah, he can depend on His mercy at the time of judgment. And We have not sent you but as a mercyRead MoreRoger Scruton s View On The Environment Essay1491 Words   |  6 Pages I agree with Roger Scruton’s view that our responsibility as humans to take care of the environment comes from our love of home, and that we need to take responsibility of our actions in order to protect our future generations. First, I will explain Roger Scruton’s view regarding humans’ role toward the environment, the nature of the human person, and the connection of the human person and their relation to the rest of the environment, what he believes is false, and problems he sees in in thoseRead MoreMoral And Ethical Dilemmas Of The Millennial Generation And Generation Z1637 Words   |  7 Pagesalongside the ethics, behind each of those reasons. Merriam-Webster defines morals as â€Å"of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior† and ethics as â€Å"the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation.† Thus one sees the interconnectedness between both definitions. Morals are the internal decisions of a person, and ethics are the external but are entirely based on one’s morals. The Millennial Generation and Generation Z have been raised to believe thatRead MoreMorality And Morality Of The Human Person1182 Words   |  5 Pagesdo; there is only guilt, no real happiness, in living the moral life Surely, the corruption of moral code can be oppressive. This is very evident in slavery, the disregard of the rights of women, and other instances in human history. However, one cannot disregard the concept of morality and religion simply because it is abused by others. One must understand morality from an objective standpoint and consider the pros and cons of having a moral code without regarding it s abuse by others. Thinking in

Crude Oil Price Fluctuations between 1998-2018-Free-Samples

Question: Write a report on Crude Oil Price Fluctuations between 1998-2018. Answer: Crude Oil Price Fluctuations between 1998-2018 Crude is an important natural resource that keeps the world economy running. Today, the resource is recognized as the engine of every economy of the world. Basically, crude oil is an energy source that is integral to the production processes in various industries. Therefore, stability in the supply and prices of the natural resource is most desirable because any fluctuations in the price of crude oil affect the prices of all other goods and services within the country (Oils Wild Ride, n.d.). However, over the last two decades, the prices of the commodity have fluctuated significantly in all economies of the world (Crude Oil Prices, 2018). For this reason, this study seeks to conduct an economic analysis of the market of crude oil. Additionally, the paper will discuss the various welfare implications that arise due to changes in the prices of crude oil within the economy. History of crude oil price fluctuations As noted earlier, the prices of crude oil are very volatile and have been subject to fluctuations over the past 10 years a as shown in the graph below. Source: (Trading Economics, 2018). In the period between 1998 and 2018, the price of crude oil globally has been rising significantly with slight drops occasionally. For purposes of this assignment, the nominal prices of crude oil shall be utilized. In 1998, the price of crude oil was $11.91. In the year that followed, the price rose by $4.65 to a price of $16.56. The trend continued in the following year, as the price of oil rose sharply in 2000 to $27.39 (Trading economics, 2018). The year of 2001, experienced a slight drop in the price of the commodity and was recorded at $23.0. The decrease in price continued in the following year as the price of oil in the country was recorded at 22.81 (Crude Oil Prices, 2018). Unfortunately in 2003, the process picked up again and rose by a significantly large amount to $27.69. Afterwards, in the years that followed, the prices of oil rose significantly. For instance, in 2004, the price of oil was recorded at 37.66 (Trading economics, 2018). In the following years, the prices ch anged from $50.04 to $58.30 and then 64.20 in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. In 2008, the price rose sharply to $91.48 before decreasing sharply to 53.48 dollars in 2009 (McMahon, 2017).. In the year that followed, the prices picked up again and was recorded at $71.21 in 2010. Between 2011 and 2014, the oil prices were recorded at $71.21, $87, $86.46, $91.17 and $85.60 consecutively. In 2015, there was a significant drop in the prices of oil and was recorded at $41.85. Likewise, the prices dropped in 2016 to $36.34 before rising to $42.74 in 2017. Currently the average price of crude is at $67.70 (Tradig Economics, 2018). Reasons why the prices have fluctuated in the last 20 years It is imperative to note that the prices of crude oil in the world economy are mainly influenced and driven by forces of demand and supply of the commodity in the global market. These influencing factors comprise of: Influences by OPEC The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a major influencer and a contributing factor in the fluctuation of global oil prices. Today, the organization controls approximately 40 percent of the total world oil supply. As a result, it sets the production levels of oil by its members to meet the demand for oil in the global economy. In turn, it has the power to influence the prices of oil by shifting the production levels. As such, an order by OPEC to reduce production of oil would result in a decrease in the overall supply of oil in the world economy thereby pushing the prices of crude oil to rise. In the same way, it can influence the prices downwards by permitting an increase in the production level thereby increasing the overall supply of oil in the world economy, thereby pulling the price of the commodity downwards. Political stability in oil producing countries It is imperative to note that political instability in oil producing countries significantly affects the supply of oil in the world market, thereby affecting prices. For instance, the continued political instability in the Middle East causes oil prices to fluctuate due to the fact that the region produces a significant share of the total world oil supply. In July 2008, the prices of a barrel of oil rose to $136 following the political unrest in the region and the fears of war in Iraq and Afghanistan (Desjardins, 2016). Global economic growth and the recovery of Chinese economy Today, China is the largest consumer of oil in the world. Thus, the demand for oil and oil products by the Chinese economy plays an important role in influencing the prices of oil in the world economy (What Actually Drives, n.d.). Despite producing its own crude, the country largely depends on oil imports to meet the demands of its industries. Other major importers of oil include India and Japan. Noteworthy is the fact that oil demand is a function of economic growth. Therefore, when the economic growth of these net oil importers is high, the demand for oil also rises. Consequently, an increase in the demand of oil in world economy pushes the prices upwards, forcing them to rise. However, over the past years, most global economies have been experiencing weak economic growth amidst an overproduction of oil in the global economy. In turn, this has brought a downward shift in the price of the commodity. Global Shift to environmental friendly practices Today, the issue of climate change has become a major challenge for nations as fossil fuels are considered to be the biggest polluters of the environment. As a result, nations have been forced to adopt safer and greener practices to reduce the damage to the natural environment. The Paris Climate Accord clearly stipulates a clear timetable for nations to shift from inefficient power production and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels for cars. Today, many nations have taken the directive seriously and are shifting to more environmentally sustainable fuels. In turn, this reduces the overall global demand for crude oil and related products. Consequently, a significant drop in oil demand would result in an oversupply of the commodity, thereby forcing its prices downwards. Innovation of electric cars and fuel efficient motor vehicles It is worth pointing out that over the past few decades, car producers have developed more fuel efficient cars. As a result, the days of fuel-guzzling American motorcars are over as more people purchase fuel efficient Japanese, European and Korean cars. In turn, this has brought about a significant decrease in the overall global demand for oil over the years. Additionally, there has been a consistent production of electric cars by companies such as Tesla. Therefore, this will reduce the overall demand for oil in the global market. By and large, a decline in demand of crude oil in the world economy would result in a drop in the prices of the commodity. Welfare Implications of Oil Price Fluctuations By and large, changes and fluctuations in the prices of oil has a significant effect on the social welfare of not only oil importing countries but also oil producing economies (Kumar and Pathak, 2017). Firstly, unexpected increases in the price of oil bring about an increase in the production of goods and services in the local economies. As such, the supply chain is affected and, thus, the increased oil prices shift to production costs and producers transfer the additional cost to the end consumer (Sanchez, 2011). Thus, the prices of goods and services in the economy increase significantly due to unexpected changes in the price of oil. In addition, any unexpected rise in the price of oil may render refined energy prices more expensive and, thus, result to households income loss. This is known as the demand channel. Consequently, it brings about a reduction of demand of other services and goods by households in the economy (Svensson, 1984). Also, it may force a reallocation of the available income towards commodities that are energy efficient. Conclusion All in all, all factors taken into consideration, crude oil is an important resource and the engine of world economy. Over the past twenty years, the prices of oil have been experiencing fluctuations from time to time. Mainly, these fluctuations in the price of the commodity can be attributed to various factors in the world economy. Fundamentally, these influencing factors include the political stability of oil producing countries, production influences by the OPEC, and a global shift from fossil fuels to environmental friendly fuels. Furthermore, the continued innovation in car technologies such as electric cars by Tesla and fuel efficient motor vehicles affects the demand, and therefore, the price of oil in the world market. Lastly, the economic growth of major oil importers may influence the price of oil globally. It is also worth noting that rises in the prices of oil have significant social welfare implications in the local economy since it results in increases in the price of o ther commodities. Reference List Brent crude oil. (2018). [Online] Trading Economics . 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