Hamas, hezbolla and islamic jihad Essay Example for Free

Hamas, hezbolla and islamic jihad Essay Hamas is an Islamic resistance movement formed in 1987 to fight for Palestinian occupied land of Gaza strip, West bank and east Jerusalem. However, its initial creation was to destroy Israel and form a Palestinian Islamic state. It is highly known for its suicide bombings and other violence against Israeli military facilities and civilians. Despite these, Hamas has performed various social, military and political activities having provided social and welfare services, such as schools and hospital facilities to Palestinians. It dedicates much of its funds to the welfare, cultural and educational services, which are meant to influence Palestinians so as get their support in their military actions against Israeli. Most of these funds originated from OPEC countries such as Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia etc. Hezbollah or party of God is a political and paramilitary organization found in Lebanon. It was formed during the Lebanese civil war as the army of Shia followers and they were trained, organized and financed by Revolutionary Guards of Iran. Its main aim of creation was to put to an end Western colonialism, punish the phalaghists and develop a political Islamic nation in Lebanon. To many Western countries, it is considered a terrorist group after being connected to Beirut bombing in 1983, but to Arabian and Islamic countries it is viewed as an organization opposed to Western ideologies and policies. More so, it is highly popular in Lebanese and of them in support of its activities as to them it is legitimate organization. It receives its training, financial and military support from Iran. The organization has its leaders in Lebanese Government, a radio station and a satellites television as well as social and welfare programs such as provision of health and educational facilities. In addition, it is believed to be one of the first Islamic groups to use suicide bombing, assassination and kidnapping of foreigners so that they grievances could be attended to; but later on, they turned to military actions such as firing of missiles etc. Islamic Jihad refers to religious wars, which are declared by Muslims whenever they feel like their Islamic religion is being attacked or threatened. The Islamic groups or organizations have no big difference between them, as they were created to fight for certain grievances or policy changes those they felt inappropriate to the Islamic society. In most cases, they wage terrorist attacks and wars against their opponent without regard for the innocent citizens. They actions are out of desperation and bitterness, given the fact they have to rely on other Arabic and Islamic nations for military and financial support. Without these aid, they have no other way to let world know their grievances and that is why they have to use each and every opportunity to ensure that they point is home, even if its suicide bombing. They differ in terms of their location, financial and military powers, and possibly, their grievances. For instance, Hezbollah is more powerful in terms of its political, economic and social influence than Hamas, this can be attributed to the fact that it is highly effective in its tactics and its policies. The radical groups pose a very big danger to the United States, due to the fact they have a well trained and organized network of their dedicated army strategically positioned waiting for any chance to hit the Americans. These has been portrayed clearly in their current effort to bomb United Kingdom, though one may believe that they are enmity is focused towards Israel. Nevertheless, the fact remains that U. S. support is biased towards the Israelites hence the enmity. At the same time, Muslims believe in religious wars so to them war is part of their religion, hence when they kill a person in the name of protecting their religion they believe there is a reward. Lastly, the fact they are financed by other Islamic and Arabian countries implies that they have the means and the capabilities of attacking the U. S. For instance, Hezbollah was able to defeat Israel with the help of Iran out of Lebanon, and considering that, there is Muslim unity that it is just a matter of what believes. These forms their network which highly in detectable even with the most accurate detecting gadget. Before any negotiations are made, there are several factors, which should be considered: the inducement to commit a terrorist attack is highly determined by the result of a certain terrorist operation, hence the attack that has notably positive impact for the groups are highly and that is the only time when a negotiation is initiated. The Kurdish occupied territories of the Middle East came under the governance of indigenous Kurdish chiefs during the middle era, though they never formed a unified government. However, from 14th century the territories were incorporated to the Ottoman Empire. The incorporation of the Kurdish occupied regions of turkey of eastern Anatolia into turkey angered many Kurds and ended up in a long running war where many people lost their lives. There were major Kurdish conflict in the territory and it was declared a no go zone for foreigners by Turkish authorities for its military use in the year 1925 and 1965. However, turkey first president undertook serious actions to curb the Kurdish cultural and political activities, and this trend followed closely under his successors. For instance, a number of regions were put under martial law to curb the activities of Kurdistan workers party (PKK), and this resulted to severe violent guerilla warfare. This caused much of the country be evacuated and a number of Kurdish inhabited villages destroyed and various judicial execution carried out by both turkey and Kurdish. Since 1999, the state of affairs has cooled down with the abduction other PKK leader Abdullah Ocala, and with the European Union encouragement for official tolerance of Kurdish cultural actions. There are countries that have stake in the Kurdish, turkey and Iraq conflict. These include members of European Union and the western states like U. S, U. K. etc.

The political decision-making process Essay Example for Free

The political decision-making process Essay The political decision-making process BY Mrcheeks707 The political decision-making process is so irrational that a completely rational approach to health policy-making can hardly be achieved. Support, debunk or provide alternative paradigms or approaches to this statement, focusing on the development of a particular policy area you are familiar with, and using analytic tools and frameworks in health policy analysis. This paper will begin by briefly examining the role of the state in health and how the state or political system is structured to meet this obligation. It will then describe the types of policy, the stages of policy aking, and the uniqueness of health policy making. Having provided a solid foundation for understanding the political and policy making system, in the context of the Trinidad and Tobago scenario, it will delve into analyzing the policy making process, and directly answer the central question of the rationality of policy making in an irrational framework of government structure. Weather policy is taught of as an intent, strategy, hypothesis, objective, goal, principle, or a learning process, it should include what governments say they will do, what they actually do and what they ecide not to do (Walt, 1994). Buse, Mays Walt, (2005 cited in Gilson L, ed. 2012, p. 28) went on to say that health policy also includes decisions made by the private sector and other actions taken outside of the health system, which can have influence on diverse aspects of citizens health. Lipksy (1980 cited in Gilson L, ed. 2012, p. 8) also argue that Health public policy, the term used to differentiate from the broader public policy, is essentially the routinely daily practices of policy actors and their decisions that have been translated from the formal documents, which may ometimes be far removed from the original intent. Regardless of whether the broader objectives focused on in macro/systemic polices of high politics or the finer special interests objectives being met in mic ro- sectoral polices of low politics, there is a general public policy process that should be followed (Evans and Newnham, 1992). To fully appreciate the impetus for health policy making in the public sector, one must understand the role of the state in formulating polices. As most develop and developing countries had been steered to accept the Keynsian philosophy, that f assuming the dominant responsibility in the provision of health services to the public amongst other social services (Walt, 1994), by the 1980s most states were beginning to relinquish its role in the direct provision of services. Despite governments continued attempts to divest the provision of health services to the private sector, urged in part by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the diminishing resources of individual states, the critical health concerns of a nation will always mandate that some aspects of health care are treated at a central level. The complexities of health professionals training, controlling the spread of HIV and AIDS, and immunization of children, are too critical for a state to leave totally in the hands of private interest. So who or what is this state that has been entrusted with this responsibility of developing public policy, which ultimately impinges on every facet of citizens lives. This state, a subset of the wider political system, is composed of all the authoritative decision-making bodies of the society that maintains law and order while extracting and utilizing revenue, to provide services ncluding health ). Thus, based on the scarcity ot state resources, governments have no choice but to ration goods and services, even values, to varying and competing interest groups. This however, highlights the major flaw of the system model, in that it adopts the position that the state is impartial, and will distribute resources according to need rather than to the clout of interest groups. For one to fully understand the processes of policy making, one must examine it through the lens of policy theories. As macro theories place heavy emphasis on power in political ystems, which its effects are more systemic in nature than micro theories. While the more obvious internal political structure of a nation can facilitate or hinder participation in the policy making process, exogenous factors are a major yet less discernible factor. Therefore, it is dependent on the particular aspect of control that policy health actors are faced with, will direct the type of policy development processes undertaken. If the policy is within the control of Health, involves input to cross portfolio policy development, or involves input to intergovernmental policy evelopment. Amongst the many structures used to describe the policy processes Walt (1994) describes the most commonly used framework as a four step continuous cycle that moves through (1) problem identification and issue recognition/definition, (2) Policy formulation with clarification of policy issues and preferred options, (3) policy implementation (4) policy evaluation and review. Consultation occurs throughout this cycle. This was expanded upon in the NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) to include; a release of formal discussion paper and the evelopment of final policy paper, as two separate activities coming after policy formation. These two additional steps have become necessary, as the intended policy must be available to the general public and special interest groups, to illicit their views before it is adopted and sent before cabinet for approval. NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) provided twelve guidelines that will further assist in the rational process of a sound policy development process and promote the production of effective and high quality policy documents. These ecommendations places emphasis on the need to have prompt Justification about the reason for the policy, unambiguity as to who holds power over the final document to initiate the policy development process, and selecting appropriate person(s) and resources to undertake the process effectively within the required timeframe. There must also be consistency between micro and macro policies of the Government. NSW Health Department State Health Publication (1998) also urges that not only there should be timely participation of affected government stakeholders, there should be he lively discussion with Health Services and other key external stakeholders. Another area where Trinidad and Tobago can benefit greatly from is the recommendation that adequate testing be given for relevant options before implementation. Head (2008) would argue that for a truly rational approach to health policy making to occur, it must be centered on Evidence-based policy (EBP) making. This concept of EBP sits squarely in the Rational or Synoptic model, and reflects more of an aspiration that a state should acquire, rather than an accomplished outcome hat could be examined. The only way decision makers can realistically and comfortably make sensible selections would be through adopting EBP as a measure to guarantee dependability ot intormation regarding the efficiency and ettectiveness of adopting a particular course of action over other possible alternatives. It was under Prime Minister Blair, the then British Government saw the need for a more rational approach to policy making. They encouraged employing EBP as key trait in the new strategy to develop a logical method to policy development that will bring ncreased policy capability (UK Cabinet Office, 1999a cited in Head, 2008 p. 15). In Australia, Prime Minister Rudd (2008 cited in Head, 2008 p. 15-16) understood for there to be successful governance, decisions must hinge on ESP. In his 2008 address to the Heads of Agencies and Members of Senior Executive Service, he stated The Government will not adopt overseas models uncritically. Were interested in facts, not fads. Australian policy development should be informed by the best of overseas experience and analysis. Other measures include identification and resolution of inancial and staffing implications of policy. Consideration and response to consultation, communication, industrial and implementation issues. Provide for effective implementation and evaluation with performance targets, planning requirements and accountability arrangements identified. Effective use of Cabinet, Budgetary and Legislative processes of Government where required. Having reviewed these many components, hindrances, and best practices of rational policy making, tackling the fundamental question of the reality for there to be a rational approach to health policy-making? And is evident in Trinidad and Tobago, the answer will have to be no. This has become clear as in many instances the required processes that need to be undertaken are not always available to the policy makers. Issues with fully adopting a rational approach begin to surface almost immediately. From simply identifying what exactly the health system is faced with, to defining goals to address those problems, a plethora of impediments already exists to derail the intended logical policy process. Making rational decisions are also constrained by the decisions made by past administrations. This can be seen with the previous administration in Trinidad and Tobago, with the introduction of the CDAP. With such a program providing free prescription drugs for chronic diseases, often benefiting lower income groups, it would have been almost impossible for the new administration to reverse it, even after making negative statements towards such a program while in opposition.

Globalization in Southeast Asia

Globalization in Southeast Asia One of the major causes of change in the nations and borders of Southeast Asia (SEA) would be the impact of globalization. Globalization promotes increasing contact with other nation-states be it through social media, economic exchange, politics and many other areas. Already, we see results in the form of increasing cooperation through international relations system like ASEAN. However, globalization can change the borders of the region not only through increased cooperation but also through increased competition. In exploring how globalization change nations and borders in Southeast Asia, this paper will also examine how globalization makes economies competitive and this will change nations and border by bringing SEA together through economic integration or result in the battle of economies. In the area of international relations, we see globalization changing nations and borders of Southeast Asia through increased regional cooperation in the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The establishment of ASEAN on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok during the middle of the Vietnam War was an attempt by SEA states to prevent intraregional conflict, and to create a voice for themselves in the broader Cold War arena.(Bennett) It also represented an attempt at redefining the individual nation-states as being a part of a regional entity. Globalization of the Cold War had created a need for neighbouring nation-states to become more inter-dependent on one another for the sake of national and regional security and in doing so, brought about increased regional cooperation and the formalization of it through the establishment of ASEAN. However, with comparatively minimal threat to national security in recent years, the impact of globalization is in recent years most prominently manifested in the area of economic relations. Singapore is a small concentrated country in Southeast Asia that has been affected by globalization. The country is known for its tiger economies being the most open, trade oriented economies and home to over 6000 Trans-national corporations making it a sanctuary for international investors. (WriteWork) Singaporeans have a strong entrepreneurial ability and using their surplus of funds they are able to invest in technology and social services increasing their economic development. (WriteWork) One important thing to note here is that countries in SEA adjusted and adapted to globalization in different ways and this has resulted in each countries being currently situated at different stages of development. There was tension due to water supply issues between Singapore and Malaysia. Malaysia claimed that the water supply that was supplied to Singapore was underpaid and that Kuala Lumpur wanted a reasonable price. Singapore rejected the allegations from Malaysia. If this issue is not properly solved military conflict could ignite which hurts both nations. Singapore, which lacks natural resources, obtains half of its daily water from Malaysia to maintain its growing population.(Agence France Press) This is one of the frequent issues that has created friction between the states since Singapore became independent from the Malaysian Federation in 1965.(Agence France Press)In this way, globalization has changed the ways in which nation-states in SEA conduct international relations. That having said, a straining of relationships between countries at different stages of economic development is not the only way in which globalization has affected Southeast Asian economies. On the flip side, globalization has also brought about increased economic integration. For example, the Brunei dollar is pegged to the Singapore dollar at a 1:1 ratio. (Go Currency) This is beneficial for both countries since they are major trading partners. This shows that a common currency, much like the Euro which was adopted by countries in the European Union, is not mere fantasy but a possible direction for the future of SEA states. Similarly, we see examples of regional cooperation where economic aid was provi ded through ASEAN system The 1997 financial crisis provoked ASEAN to aid its nations by facilitating accelerates local financial cooperation. The ASEAN Vision 2020 which they launched that year, leaders resolved to preserve macroeconomic stability, to carry on liberalization of financial service sectors and to carefully cooperate in money, tax and custom matters.(ASEAN) This shows that globalization has also resulted in increased economic integration as countries in the region become increasingly aware of a shared fate especially in terms of economic growth through the Asian Financial Crisis for one. Globalization has increased interactions between people and their ideas in many ways. People are travelling more frequently and more widely. In recent decades, migration has become easier due to reduced importance of geographic distance in determining boundaries of labor markets. This is the result of improved transport, and rapid movement of communication technologies that its possible. Migration is necessary for countries to secure the advantages of global flows of trade and gain a comparative advantage over other nations. When a nation lacks a specific ability, the easiest way fix it is to import it. (Ewers) The knowledge of a nations workforce is a priority because it becomes a commodity. As mentioned many MNCs have headquarter centers in Singapore. This encourages migration of highly-skilled foreign workers that provide human capital towards the region. Taking all the above points into consideration, in terms of national and regional economy, I propose two possible future directions in which globalization can impact the nations and borders of SEA. One, globalization could increase competition leading to countries in the region battling it out in order to establish an economic advantage over the other. For example, overall, that there is increasing competition on the economic level between Southeast Asia and China as sites for manufacturing, light industry, information technology and low salaries.( Bersick and Pasch 21) A more positive outlook for the future would be increased economic integration for the region. Malaysia and Brunei have agreed to a bilateral cooperation in the oil and natural gas division. (Shams) The Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company, and Brunei National Petroleum Company signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU, confirmed the commitment to take bilateral relations to a new stage of enhanced partnership and expressed their mutual desire for the continuous and expeditious implementation. (Brudirect)This is a progressive action taken by these two countries in the South China Sea to explore oil resources. Both leaders emphasized that their hopes was to express the increasing level of trade and investment between the two countries would continue to accelerate. (Brudirect) What we can safely conclude at this point is that the degree of economic cooperation that will develop in the future depends on how closely related national interest is to regional interest in the view of the SEA governments. The more closely related national interest is to regional interest, the better opportunities for regional cooperation as evidenced in the formation of ASEAN where regional security was judged to be crucial to national security. Indeed, with already established frameworks like ASEAN, increased economic cooperation does not seem like impossible at all. In the future as a result of globalization, Southeast Asian nations have a probable chance at integration and unity through economic means. This can be achieved through existing frameworks of regional cooperation such as ASEAN which function as peacekeeping system but also emphasizes economic collaboration with other countries. Utilizing the European Union as inspiration and as a stepping stone for Southeast Asia is a vital strategy as well. If the Southeast nations could overcome their challenges, if they initiate to work among each other not only will they form similar objectives and create mutual trust but perhaps build an over-arching identity.

Comparing Arthur Laurents West Side Story and Shakespeares Romeo and

Although the discrepancies between Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story are too frequent to categorize in such limited space, it is impossible for anyone familiar with both texts to not notice the obvious similarities between the two works ("Theme").   From the opening scenes in both, up through the rumble in West Side Story/death of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, the plays mirror each other (Poelstra).   It isn't until the last part of West Side Story, where Tony (our modern-day Romeo) dies and Maria (Tony's Juliet) doesn't (unlike the two star-crossed lovers of Shakespeare's work, both of whom perish), that the major difference between the two works becomes apparent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Granted, instead of tension between feuding families (Montaguesand Capulets), West Side Story offers prejudice between races, as illustrated between street gangs (Jets and Sharks).   Some of the characters in West Side Story are carbon copies of those in Romeo and Juliet: Maria (Juliet), Tony (Romeo), Bernardo (Tybalt), Lt. Schrank (Prince),   and Anita (Nurse).   Others appear to be a composite of characters, namely Riff, a combination of Benvolio and Mercutio, and Doc, who appears to fulfill the role of Friar Laurence (possessed somewhat of a peacekeeping nature: "You couldn't play basketball?", he asks, when informed of their upcoming "war council" [Laurents 57]) yet, at the same time, it is implied (in the film version, not the play) that he is a pharmacist, and there was, after all, an apothecary in Romeo and Juliet . The tomboyish Anybodys, a Jet wannabe, would best fit into the role of Balthasar (although Doc's cha racter fits into this role marginally, as well), since it was she who aided Tony in escaping after the rumble (which resulted in the d... ... a story four centuries old to be retold in a fairly modern-day setting (after all, street gangs are more prominent now that ever before), a retelling that has garnered its own wide audience appeal over the past four  decades ("Theme"), showing that certain tales can stand the test of time more than once, provided the content/context effectively reflects the world within which it occurs.   Works Cited   Laurents, Arthur. West Side Story. (A musical, based on a conception  of Jerome Robbins; music by Leonard Bernstein; lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.) NY: Random House, 1966. Poelstra, James. "Romeo and Juliet vs. West Side Story." (17 July 97). Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. The Complete Works of William  Shakespeare, Volume I. Ed. W. G. Clark and W. Aldis Wright. NY:  Ã‚  Nelson Doubleday, Inc., 247-277.  Ã‚   "Modernizing Age-Old Theme." (17 July 97).

The Ice Storm Essay -- essays research papers

It is 1973. New Canaan, Connecticut is a prototypical 'bedroom'; community. Modern homes, clean, quiet streets and plenty of greenspace lend an air of contentment to the setting. However, behind the doors of these homes discontent and ennui are thriving.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  '…affluent Americans increasingly clustered in suburban areas, where jobs for women were limited and domestic help was in short supply. Husbands were away from home longer because they had to commute to work, leaving the wives to bear the complete responsibility for the family…The American dream of affluence in a natural, bucolic setting away from urban squalor often made it impossible for women to be anything other than housewives and mothers.'; i. The Ice Storm focuses on two families, the Hoods and the Carvers. Ben Hood, (Kevin Kline), is the aptly-named, self-absorbed patriarch of his family moving through life believing all that matters is what he sees in front of him; his wife, Elena (Joan Allen) is his quietly despairing mate and mother of Paul (Tobey Maguire) and Wendy (Christina Ricci). Jim Carver (Jamey Sheridan) is an enterprising man, who is seldom home long enough to attend to the needs of his wife Jane (Sigourney Weaver) and their two sons Mike (Elijah Wood) and Sandy (Adam Hann-Byrd). These families are linked by relationships, superficially neighborly, but in fact more visceral than they are prepared to admit to even themselves. It takes an outside force, the ice storm, to force them to come to grips with the realities of their lives, both individually and as families. 'The majority of the past and present studies of martial discontent decisively show that non-working married women are much more prone to anxiety, depression, and mental breakdowns than married men, married working women, or single women.'; ii. Elena Hood and Jane Carver are stereotypical suburban wives. Jane is portrayed as a sexual person, her first three appearances show her cleaning spilt wine from Ben Hood's crotch, the next two in bed. She dresses provocatively, in fur, boots, and bangles, her long hair flowing about her shoulders. Elena is shown as a domestic, spending most of the film in the kitchen. Though she is a beautiful, vivacious woman, she locks her emotions away beneath her suburban spousal exterior. She is the prototypical housewife. Both women have husba... ...eir lives learning them. During the Depression and World War II, 'women's work'; became much more than tasks performed at home. The 'go where you want to go, do what you want to do'; mantra of the '60s showed women who felt there was more to life than domesticity that their urge to be 'of the world'; was a viable goal. They wanted, rightly, to be included in the power structure. The obstacle to this end was the existing male-dominated power elite. Men, who through upbringing and experience believed that their position of control was pre-ordained, were too busy convincing themselves and each other of their rectitude to listen to what women wanted. Wendy Carver is a product of all this, a girl blossoming into womanhood, and a person with strong opinions to express. She, in many ways, defines the burgeoning power women felt in their grasp in 1973. They yearned to be part of the great decision-making processes affecting their world. Their perspective, they knew, was vital to making t he necessary changes to the 'boys' club'; mentality that had bred the wars, embargos and political chicanery that plagued America in the early 70s. The world was changing, and it was time to talk about it.

The Most Compelling Reason for Studying Religion Today is Politics Essa

The Most Compelling Reason for Studying Religion Today For me, the word ‘religion’ conjures up images of wailing fat ladies dressed in their Sunday best singing at the top of their lungs about the glory of God. Of course, this image comes from my childhood when I attended the New Testament Church of God in Jamaica every Sunday, rain or shine, with my grandmother. For her, Church, Christianity and God was a way of life; a set of principles she believed in and lived by. For others less convinced, the idea of religion or ‘being religious’ is as far fetched as aliens and UFO’s. Throughout the centuries, religion has played an important part in shaping the political landscape of most modern societies and one reason for studying religion is to understand how and why certain societies developed in the way they did. The church – used here in generic terms – was often married to the way in which rulers administered laws and punishments. Often some used the church to swindle people out of their wealth and to gain their allegiance through fear. While other rulers such as Henry viii manipulated the religious order of the day by breaking away from the Catholic Church and forming a new Church of England so he could marry his mistress. For most, Islam is a way of life which is revered by its followers but according to Laura Hayes, when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001, they controlled 90% of the country's territory and their policies—including their treatment of women and support of terrorists—ostracized them from the world community. The Taliban considered themselves mujahideen or holy warriors of the Islamic faith. ... ...of the people’. Religion and politics have come full circle as in today’s society there are laws which govern the recognition of a new ‘religion’. For example, a legitimate religion has the right to claim tax exemption and must promote the moral and spiritual welfare of the community. It is my opinion that although there are other reasons for studying religion, the most compelling reason by far is to better understand and cater for the diversity of modern society. Bibliography Atkins, Peter quoted in Poole, Michael. A Guide to Science and Belief. Lion Publishing.1990 Boeer. M. M. Karl Marx’s Interpretation of History. Mason, Claire. New Religious Movements: the impact on our lives. White Thompson Publishing Limited.2003 Pfeffer, Leo. Quoted in New Religious Movements: the impact on our lives.

The Importance of Global Marketing Strategy

Nowadays, for many businesses, expanding means going global; it means managing to bring your products or services to more and more target markets around the world. The technology, infrastructure, and communications have developed so much that it is no longer impossible or that difficult to open up to new business markets. However, in order to be successful in this endeavor, you need to have a global marketing strategy. The way you promote your product in the United States will not have the same impact in Australia for example, or in Asia, so you need to come up with a battle plan for each culture. The amazing thing today is that you don’t need to have a very large business or be part of a corporation in order to operate in other countries or continents. All you need is for your product to be valuable, for it to be demanded; or you can create demand for it, and that could be part of your global marketing strategy. The first thing that you need to understand about it is that it definitely is not something standardized; you need to ply your product for the consumers, you need to adapt the product itself, or the way it is promoted. You can, for example, standardize your logo, thus making it recognizable around the world, but things such as packaging, promotions, commercials, and your advertising strategy have to be adjusted to the culture, economy and society they are intended for. Your global marketing strategy is only an aspect of your global strategy, and it has to take into consideration several details, such as research and development, finances, market trends, surveys and so on. First of all, you have to define your goals; think of what you are trying to achieve by going global, about the challenges and difficulties you face with a new market, or the competitors you may or may not have. Every detail of this process is important, because the clearer your objectives are, the easier it will be to find solutions and be successful on the global market. For example, depending on the countries or continents you want to reach, think of what can stay the same and what has to be adapted to that type of society. Perhaps you can keep parts of the packaging, but the way you advertise has to be different; although you’re selling the same product, how you present it can be totally different from country to country. It doesn’t matter if you have to change things drastically for each country; be glad that you have the tools and resources to adapt. The better you promote your product, the bigger the chances of success. Learn everything you can about each target and see what they respond to; that way you’ll be able to adopt an appropriate position and become â€Å"familiar† with your new customers. Today, thanks to the Internet, people know about certain products or services even if they are not currently present in their countries; you can observe whether there is a gap in the market somewhere and go to fill it, knowing that your customers are already lined up. Moreover, you can easily see how people react to similar products, or what marketing strategies function with them. Global marketing strategy is not important just because it brings your company more money and recognition, but also because it can save the company money in those places where advertising or packaging are standardized. The world already tends towards a globalization of spirit, of culture and ideas, and getting globalized products and services is just a natural step. Start working on your global strategy today and see what it can do for your business.