Creative Writing Danny, Stephany and Melody - 2001 Words

On November 14th 1969: Slate, gusty clouds storm the ocean coral blue skies glistening above. Raindrops hit the pitch back driveway holding my blue BMW convertible. On the few days it tends to rain on a yearly basis in LA, it just has to be today: the day of my wedding. Stefan suggested we’d just proceed with the ceremony, but deep down, I had always pictured my wedding day as one of the most alluring and captivating days of my life. A beautiful bride prancing down the narrow aisle, as the entire worlds attention and focus seems to revolve around the only two people that mattered for more than just a minute: the bride and the groom. I didn’t want it to appear as one of those self-centered occasions, but I figured every female was equitable to that one day they’d never forget prior and posterior to that significant event that often only occurs once in a lifetime; and undoubtedly that day would have been today. I certainly wasn’t looking forward to a day cap tivated in a dimmered building with creaky-rusted chairs and booths. Imagining violet-pink hydrangeas encircling the trail leaving behind the separation of two soulmates and bringing forth the unison of two souls who were once broken hearted, but bonded through conceptions and compatible intentions forming advantageous intonations. My fabrication had always seemed too â€Å"wild to possess,† my mother had always described it as. Though, every 25-year old kid was susceptible to the most inordinate imaginations and a sense of

Kant s Categorical Imperative Of The Modern Era - 826 Words

Emmanuel Kant was an influential philosopher and strong proponent of the modern era. Besides his large contribution to epistemology and metaphysics, his work in ethics was just as substantial. Kant’s ethics came to propose an objective morality, where moral judgments is not only true according to a person s subjective view. He believed the moral worth of an action is not determined by its consequence but the motive behind it. Through Kant’s ethics, he demonstrates this duty through his unconditional moral principle, the categorical imperative. The categorical imperative expresses that morality is not about the outcome (good or bad), but the right action regardless of the outcome. It is the responsibility to do one s duty for its own sake and not in pursuit of one’s own desire. One formulation of Kant’s categorical imperative instructs us to act only in such a way that â€Å"I can also will that my maxim should become a universal law.† Before going into the formulation, a maxim for Kant is just not a rule for how to act but a middle stage between experience and the categorical imperative. Kant describes this as a subjective rule, that is, a rule that is deliberated at the subjective level. Consider a case of human interaction, in which one has to decide his behavior in the form, â€Å"X does such an action to Y†. We may ask the moral question â€Å"should X do such an action to Y?† According to Kant, X response cannot derive from desire or pleasure but rather give a deliberate andShow MoreRelatedKantian Ethics And The Categorical Imperative Essay1581 Words   |  7 PagesReason Book, I, Immanuel Kant, a prominent late Enlightenment Era German philosopher discusses his most famous ethical theory, the â€Å"Categorical Imperati ve.† The â€Å"Categorical Imperative† is a proposed universal law in stating all humans are forbidden from certain actions regardless of consequences. Although this is the general definition of this ethical theory, the Categorical Imperative† exists in two above formulations, A strict interpretation of Categorical Imperative and a more liberal interpretationRead MoreHuman cloning and Immanuel Kant1114 Words   |  5 Pagesstrikes many people as morally wrong. The basic question is: how does society determine what s right? 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Bigel Ethical Dilemma In Using Facebook As A Means For Hiring Decisions Introduction/Background As employers increasingly turn to the Internet for additional information on prospective employees, the ethical implications behind such practice become more relevant and far reaching. Yet in ethically examining the advantages and disadvantages of using social media information to make decisions for Shaw, the result could beRead MoreUtilitarian Perspective On Feminism1563 Words   |  7 Pagesdeveloped points of interests, and recognizable inclusive nature. This essay’s discussion will include the basic principles of Utilitarianism, John Stuart Mill’s strengths and weaknesses in The Subjection of Women, and a comparison to a more Immanuel Kant approach to the discussion at hand. Prior to delving into John Stuart Mill’s specificities regarding women’s rights, it is important to understand his utilitarian philosophy of thought. Mill’s preferred method is based solely in utilitarian thoughtRead MoreAbortion From The Perspective Of Moral Philosophies Essay2254 Words   |  10 Pagesthe mentioned issues. She stated, â€Å"As the human enterprise has grown, we have reshaped natural systems to meet human needs, weakening resilience of ecosystems, and by extension our own. In effect, we have reengineered the planet and ushered in a new era of radical instability† (â€Å"Women and Population†). These new implementations and plans of reorganizing society and trying to create a region where hopefully resources can be salvaged and extended for future use have generated problems within themselvesRead MoreAnalysis Of Justin Bieber s Latest Hair Cut3010 Words   |  13 Pagesthe events that shape our modern era. The camera that captures no lies and sees all that dare venture in front of its lens has the power to inspire, but it also has the power to horrify. 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Forces Significant for the Workplace-Free-Samples for Student

Question: Training is driven by workplace needs. Noe and Winkler (2012) identify 10 forces that may influence working and learning. Answer: Introduction The term workforce has been recognized as the backbone of the structure of any of the business organization. And also one of the most valuable assets for the business that reaps or aids in attaining desired targets and determined objectives (Arnold, 2016). And hence maintaining the workforce has been considered as one of the crucial tasks for the business enterprise. Training and development is the most relevant approach that can be adopted by the business firm for managing, maintaining and motivating the individuals so as to advance their skills and capabilities so as to bring hike to the productivity and profitability. Training and development have been considered as one of the factors in the success and growth of an individual. The training and development process advances the existing skills, makes them able to adopt new capabilities and also makes optimum utilization of the possessed skills. This process brings a hike in the productivity and also develops the adherence to the qu ality standards. The working environment is effected positively and thus there is an increase in the organizational stability and flexibility in operations and functionalities. The below-summarized analysis has been concentrated on the concept of training and development and also the significance of the same has been described. The report comprises of the forces that are affecting the process of training and development. The report has been focused on Qantas Airlines that is one of the top leading airlines and transportation service provider in Australia. Forces significant for the workplace After analyzing the case it has been concluded that there is varied range of components that affect the process of training and development in the business organization. On the basis of the analysis, it has been inferred that globalization is one of the significant element that can be considered as one of the empirical contributors in stimulating the process of training and development in Qantas Airlines. As the business entity is a multinational brand and is operating the business practices globally and hence the concept of globalization has been considered as a significant term that will be influencing the organization. And also the process of training and development within the working environment is also affected by globalization. Training and development are one of the crucial tasks that is required to be executed essentially and effectively for the advancement of the workforce (Ingram 2018). The process of training and development will update the existing skills and capabilitie s of the individuals and will also assist in generating and developing some new skills. Provision of timely training sessions will be proven beneficial for the personal development of the individuals and also an increasing the quality of the services provided by them will be observed. The company will be experiencing the hike in productivity and profitability that too with the best quality. Globalization Globalization has been considered as one of the revolutionary terms that have been proven as one of the biggest tool or mechanism in training and developing the workforce within the business firm. Moreover, globalization is the concept that has been recognized as a platform that offers the wide range of exposures to the business organizations and that aids the business corporations in a path of success and growth. The concept of globalization is concerned about the process of global integration and that is based on the continuous exchanges of ideas, cultural aspects and other factors that are considered as significant for the business. In the present era, the cause of globalization is due to the advancement of the transport systems, telecommunication, and infrastructure. One of the greatest elements of the term globalization is the innovation or invention of the internet. The Internet has led massive international integration and promotion to trade and various other aspects of govern ment and politics. There has been an introduction of the number of monetary systems that has aided the business organizations while transacting or executing a trade. For instance, Qantas Airways by making use of Pay-Pal and Visa the business entity has made the payment systems easier that has facilitated the business as well as the consumers of the firm. Globalization has offered a sea of opportunities for the business organization to exploit but there are some challenges too. But first talking about the plus points there is number of advantages that are attained by the business corporation by the emergence of this concept (Adotel 2016). One of the biggest advantages is that the business entity will be experiencing a boost or widening in the size of the market (Danev 2017). On the basis of the research executed it has been analyzed that the business entity is already offering its services in a various nation but needs business expansion and hence globalization has been considered as one of the most beneficial tools in this process.. Due to globalization, the business entity will enable them in expanding the business to the new regions and markets. Moreover, making transactions with the other nations will also aid the entity as new technologies, resources will be accessed and that will be proven very much beneficial for the firm on the number of aspects. Training and development for advancing the communication skills On the basis of the study, it has been analyzed that Qantas Airlines are the airline's service providers and also after analyzing the given scenario it has been noted that the business entity should focus on providing training and development sessions for updating the communication skills of the workforce within the organization (Hrcouncil 2018). Communication skills are the most empirical tool for the workforce of any of the business corporation and the same is for Qantas Airlines. Communication has been considered as a significant component of the organizational and managerial performance and prosperity of any of the exertion and same is for the aviation industry. While offering the various services such as making the boarding of the travelers, security check-in, helping them till their seats in flights and other services in the flight, the staff of the airways is required to have a professional set of communication skills. Communication plays an integral role while the services ar e offered to the customers that are the travelers. Effective communication has been recognized as one of the basic human requirement and in terms of the aviation industry, it has been considered as an essential pre-requisite to safety. There are two major forms of communication play an empirical role in the operational activities and functionalities within the aviation industry and that are written and verbal communication. Written communication involves any type of interaction that is making use of any of written word. Written communication has been considered as one of the most common forms of communication that comprise of making use of processes such as SOPs, flight manuals, flight plans, checklists, operational bulletins and the other operations between the management staff and operational staff. These are the documents that are required by the operational staff for conveying information and instructions to the concerned authorities (IEEE Xplore.ieee 2006). Moreover, these are the documents that are considered as vital components in the process of decision making and in case fo any of the problems or facing issues. And these documents are also expected significant in providing the most accurate, precise and direct information to the staff for encountering the problems. Sometimes, the flight crew finds it difficult to read these documents and here comes the need for training and development for the communication skills of the crew and staff. Qantas Airlines is required make provision of training and development sessions in terms of upgrading communication skills. Upgrading the communication skills will enable the staff in understanding the documents and the instructions. Another significant way of communicating in the aviation industry is the verbal communication. Communication between the ATCO and Pilots, management and operational personnel are the major forms of communications that take place within the business organization. Communicating effectively is must between these personnels and hence they are required to have a set of professional communication and interaction skills. Verbal communication has been considered as one of the major media for communicating within the aviation organizations and the same is for Qantas airlines. The business entity is required to update and improve the communication skills of the staff along with the practical drift for all the workforce. And this can be done by organizing various training and development sessions. Some innovation ways and mediums can be adopted by the business firm for updating the communication skills. Qantas Airways can make use of various approaches and strategies for advancing and updating the communication skills of the staff. Leaders or the senior personnel in the business organization can take a lead for providing training and development sessions and also provide guidance for bringing advancements and improvements in the communication skills (RedAltinay, Paraskevas Jang, 2015). For instance, group activities and group discussions are the form of training sessions that can be adopted by the leaders of Qantas for advancing the communication skills. The leaders are also required to have the capabilities to make the staff understand the importance of communication. Moreover, motivating the workforce is one of the best efforts that can be made by the leaders so as to bring the required changes. Developing an open communication environment can be considered as one of the significant steps that will aid in building and develop the communication skills of the staff. Under this stra tegy, the business entity will have to allow the employees for sharing their feedback freely, interesting ideas etc. This will aid the leaders in building trust among the employees and they will be motivated to work hard and will provide their best (Opentextbc 2018). The communication process should be the two-way process that can be executed vertically and horizontally and in this process, the management and the employees are required to make equal participation while transferring the information, the ideas of the staff from all levels should be considered as significant and that will make them valued and motivated. Reason for choosing training and development of communication skills Communication process has been considered as one of the most empirical tools for any of the business firm as it makes possible the transfer of data and information throughout the organizational structure. Communication plays an integral and fundamental role in all the facets of the business organization. And hence, it is very essential for the business organization that both the internal communication within the corporation as well as the communication skills of the employees are required to be effective and updated. Qantas airlines are one of the largest brands in providing flight services to the travelers (Knight, 2015). Effective communication plays a significant role in the success and growth of the business and is also considered as a building block for the business entity. There are the varied range of positive changes that will be experienced by Qantas Airways if the entity is directing focus in organizing the training and development sessions of the communication skills of th e workforce. The below presented are some of the reasons due to which the need for choosing for the provision of developing the communication skills: An accomplishment of employee trust Clear and open communication will be enabling the business firm in creating and developing a sense of transparency within the entity. And this will be proven beneficial for the business firm in the development of trust among the employees at different levels within the organization. Whereas, keeping the employees in dark may go wrong for the business organization and can result in resentments, tensions, and situations of conflicts between the management and the lower level staff (Reddy 2016). And hence developing an effective and professional communication process by making use of training and development sessions has been considered as an integral task for the business firm. Relationships Communication has been recognized as one of the integral components and also one of the greatest mechanisms that prove very much beneficial for establishing and building relationships between the staff and the employees from the different level (Ngwenya, Aigbavboa Thwala, 2015). An atmosphere of open communication will be enabling the employees with a safe feeling while expressing their ideas and interest and this will aid the employees as they will bring an increase in their confidence level and organization will be benefited in terms of new and innovative solutions (Rathore, 2017). Regular and open interactions will make the employees motivated to work harder. And this can be made possible if Qantas Airways is providing timely training and development sessions to the employees for advancing the communication skills. Clarity In a business organization confusion and ambiguity is such factor that can create negative feelings and a tensed atmosphere. This can be proven disadvantageous for the business firm. And hence, it the duty of the management staff of maintaining and developing clarity in the roles and the obligations that are required to be followed by the employees within the business organization (Kapadia 2016). And this will be made possible only by adopting a professional communication process for the staff at all levels organization. A proper transfer of data will enable the staff in pursuing their roles and responsibilities to their best. And this can be made possible `by providing proper training and development sessions to the employees. Collaboration Communication is the process that will be aiding the business entity in making effective collaboration and that will be leading the entity to bring an increase in the productivity of an overall team. As Qantas Airways is a multinational corporation and have various departments that are working on different facets (Knight, 2015). The communication plays an integral role in the streamlining the process and make improvements of the end results. When the staff is exchanging ideas and thoughts freely then there will be fewer chances of conflictive situations and problems. And hence effective communication process plays a significant role in developing a sense of collaboration within the business organization and for doing so the management is required to make provision of training and development sessions concerning the advancement of a communication process (Asfaw, Argaw Bayissa, 2015). Training and development program Management Staff Middle and lower level staff Date 15-03-2018 15-03-2018 Employee Details Job Title Management staff Flight attendants, Airlines administrative supporting staff. Avionics technicians Ground staff, passenger service agent etc. Objectives Advancing leadership and communication skills Enhancing communication skills and capabilities as per their job titles Training needed Practices and programs for developing leadership and communication skills Training sessions for enhancing and developing communication skills Estimated expenses Training sessions for training and management authorities for leadership skills: $45000 Advancing communication skills: $7500 For enhancing skills: $8500 (quarterly) Completion date 31-03-2018 31-03-2018 Conclusion In the limelight of the above-executed analysis, it has been inferred that the process of training and development plays a significant role in the business organization. Training and development sessions can be considered as a supporting or helping hand for the organizational structure and hence it is required to be executed with greater efficiency and effectiveness. The above report has been focused on Qantas Airways that is one of the multinational corporation offering flight and transportation services to the travelers and the tourists all over the world. The further report comprises of a description of the term globalization and also the significance of the same for the organization has been presented. The term is very much liable for stimulating the business environment and hence there rise a need for trading and development of the workforce. The process of training and development within Qantas has been focused on developing and advancing the communication skills. Communication is also considered as an integral part of the business firm and hence the development of the same is required to be done with greater efficiency and effectiveness. And this can be made possible by making provision of appropriate training and development sessions for the employees. References Adotel, L, (2016). How globalization affected organizational communication? Assessed on 20th March 2018, https://www.bayt.com/en/specialties/q/271045/how-has-globalization-affected-organizational-communication/. Arnold, J. (2016). Coaching Skills for Leaders in the Workplace: How to unlock potential and maximise performance. Hachette UK. Asfaw, A. M., Argaw, M. D., Bayissa, L. (2015). The impact of training and development on employee performance and effectiveness: A case study of District Five Administration Office, Bole Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Journal of Human Resource and Sustainability Studies, 3(04), 188. Danev, M, (2017). The effects of globalization on global communication, Assessed on 20th March 2018, https://bizfluent.com/info-8232542-effects-globalization-global-communication.html. Hrcouncil, (2018). Learning, training and development, Assessed on 20th March 2018, https://hrcouncil.ca/hr-toolkit/learning-implementing.cfm. ieeexplore.ieee, (2006). Training and development: Enhancing communication and leadership skills, Assessed on 20th March 2018, https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/1599558/. Ingram, D, (2018). The impact of globalization on communication skills and development, Assessed on 20th March 2018, https://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/impact-globalization-communication-skills-development-28172.html. Kapadia, V, (2016). The 6 hottest training technologies that you cant overlook, Assessed on 20th March 2018, https://elearningindustry.com/6-training-technologies-cant-overlook. Knight, K. (2015). Analysing the discourses of leadership as a basis for developing leadership communication skills in a second or foreign language. Opentextbc, (2018). Strategies for effective communication, Assessed on 15th March 2018, https://opentextbc.ca/workinginfoodserviceindustry/chapter/strategies-for-effective-communication/. Rathore, P. S. (2017). Significance of training and hospitality skills for hotel employees. International Journal of Engineering and Management Research, 7(3), 53-56. Reddy, C, (2016). 15 strategies for effective communication in an organization, Assessed on 20th March 2018, https://content.wisestep.com/15-strategies-for-effective-communication-in-an-organization/.

Latin History Essays - Christopher Columbus,

Latin History The Well Planned Surprise On October 13th of 1492, Christopher Columbus made a discovery that changed all of mankind. He under the backing of the Spanish government made the pivotal first steps in colonizing a new land. The journey that had long been anticipated by Columbus was not important because it was the first of such expeditions, for it indeed was not. The fact that sets him apart is that his discovery was the last of such magnitude and lasting effects in history. His discovery was made at a time when Europe was in the process of great change. These changes greatly influenced the voyage of Columbus and contributed to curiosity of the monarch and the citizens of Europe. The famous series of Wars called The Crusades caused great changes in the ways that Europeans thought and acted. The crusades, begun four centuries earlier, had increased the appetites of affluent Europeans for exotic things, and the most important of these things was gold and silver. The main reason for curiosity into new worlds and lan ds was the need for more trade, and quicker routes for existing trade routes. Europe was in position to become the dominating force throughout the world and it was pertinent that they expand, and seek new riches and lands to add to its kingdom. The changes in Europe not only prompted Columbuss voyages and those of others, but it paved the way for European domination for the next five hundred years. Often overlooked in the explanation of the events surrounding the discovery and settlement of the new worlds, are the little contributing factors. Those things that motivated and aided in the discovery and the settlement of this land. The Europeans did not set sail on a wild goose chase for new territory. They had an idea of what they were looking for, who they were looking for, and what to do with whatever they encountered. The Europeans were organized in their efforts to conquer. Many different motivating factors contributed to Spanish expedition into the Americas; all are important and without each the affect of the expeditions in to the lands would not be possible. Foremost among these factors is the improvement of the European weaponry used, and the advances in technology that Europe had amassed. The new technologies of warfare developed farther and faster in Western Europe than anywhere else in the world because of the union of existing technologies. By the 15th century, Europeans were the worlds masters in firearm manufacturers . This initiated an arms race that ushered in the refinement of archery, drill, and siege warfare. The arms race that was started then, has continued into the 21st century. This supreme dominance in the art of military technology gave the confidence needed by the Europeans to embark on their various expeditions into territory uncharted by Europeans. When Columbus and his fellow mates landed in the Caribbean, they greeted the Indians with weapons that the natives had no notion about. The guns, and gunpowder were foreign to a society using bows and arrows, and spears. The ships in which they traveled far exceeded even t he largest Indian vessel. The native Indians had never fathomed the advanced technology that the Spanish presented. This fact aided in the ease with which the Indians were controlled and enslaved. To the Indians, the size of the ships with their billowing white sails suggested floating islands with close-hanging clouds . It was as if they were presented with an omnipotent force in the Spanish. Even the most traditional of weapons were beyond belief to the Indians. It is through the frightening of the Indians that Columbus found that the Indians became more manageable. They were afraid of the Spanish, intimidated by their strong omnipotent presence. The Spaniards upon embarking on the new land marched through the island to put down any signs of non-compliance with their demands or resistance to their enslavement . They were accompanied by horses, dogs, crossbows, these were all alien to the natives . Columbus even notes that they didnt know what their weapons were and so they reached out to touch the sword and cut themselves, because they didnt know it was sharp .

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Party Tourism; the Effects of a Drug Sub-Culture in Ibiza Essay Example

Party Tourism; the Effects of a Drug Sub Party Tourism; the Effects of a Drug Sub-Culture in Ibiza Paper Party Tourism; the Effects of a Drug Sub-Culture in Ibiza Paper The following report examines the impact of party tourism in Ibiza, Spain. Ibiza has been widely regarded as the best spot for party tourism in the world and the amount of tourists visiting the destination for the sole purpose of partying replicates this trend. However, this type of tourism is not ideal and the pressure it creates on a small destination is quite extensive. The report gives insight into the amount of drugs taken by individuals, with the findings indicating the majority of visitors who use back home increase their amount when holidaying in Ibiza. For those who do not use at home, 16 per cent experimented for the first time while in Ibiza. Details are also given into the usage patterns of casual labour working in Ibiza over the summer period. The report shows the impact drugs have on a destination and in particular Ibiza, where increase in crime has become a major issue with gangs fighting for the drug trade. Moreover, a description for the potential damage this tourism market has on a destination’s image is reported, with most other forms of tourists beginning to relocate elsewhere. A comparison with an Australian Capital City is entailed. The results show similar drug usage, however Melbourne has more government support for strategies combating the use of illicit drugs in nightclubs. Finally, some recommendations of potential strategies to minimise drug consumption in Ibiza are discussed at the conclusion of the paper. Introduction 90 kilometres off the coast of Spain lays the island of Ibiza, home to 2. 6 million visitors per annum (Botsford, 2001). The figure may not seem immense, although considering Spain recorded an annual visitation number of 53. million in 2006 (UNWTO, 2007), and up to date tourist numbers in Ibiza would to represent a high increase in tourism arrivals, it is a large number in relation to the tourism market Ibiza attracts. Previously known for a culture of laid back attitudes and a hippie orientated life style, Ibiza soon started to attract tourism growth with the increase of music events and nightclub developments from owners already established in the United Kingdom (Horner, Swarbrooke, 2004: 230). Over the course of four decades stretching from the 70’s, Ibiza’s tourist market began to alter. The easy going lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere started to disperse, instead changing into a destination of constant late night partying and drug influenced tourists. â€Å"Ibiza has become synonymous over the past two decades with the drug-infested clubbing, or raving, subculture. Every summer, young tourists visit the destination and escape into drugs, alcohol, non-stop dancing and anonymous sexâ€Å" states (Harman, 2002). (Curley, 2007) reinforces this comment, although suggests that the drug culture has been symbolic for decades, â€Å"since late 1960’s drugs have been a factor in attracting tourists to Ibiza†. The increasing demand for party tourism in Ibiza has seen an increase in the amount of drugs available in nightclubs and party spots in Ibiza. (Chesshyre, 2001) supports this matter by stating, â€Å"Drugs, if you want them, are freely available in Ibiza. I was approached countless times during my visit. † Instances like these would be considered remarkable if, for instance, were reported from Venice or Hawaii, but it would appear now that this drug sub-culture that rules Ibiza has affected the island on many levels. However, there is the perception that Ibiza has become dependant on party tourism for economic growth and for the summer months when the party tourists are there, Ibiza residents like Pablo Vincente resent the clubbers, but benefit from the tourism money they bring in. â€Å"We complain, but we need them† (Harman, 2002). For the party tourist, why would you go anywhere else to experience the nightlife? This is the destination that charges 12 euros for a standard alcoholic beverage, but yet the cost of a pill that keeps you going for hours cost 5 (Govan, 2007). The question to be addressed however is what damage is this tourism market having on Ibiza’s destination image and local residents? Drug use patterns in Ibiza A key factor in the increasing use of recreational drugs is their association with nightclubs and dance music (Forsyth, Barnard McKeganey, 1997). The modern phenomenon of clubbing (late-night dancing, often in combination with drug use) was imported, largely from Ibiza, by individuals holidaying abroad and then returning to recreate the combination of modern dance music and ecstasy use in their country of resident (Garret, 1998, p. 29). The figures below show the increases in drug use and sexual activity in Ibiza by first time users and the increase in drug taking for those who use at home and then when visiting Ibiza. Tourist Tourists who use recreational drugs in their home of origin have a propensity to increase their levels of substance use when in Ibiza. (Bellis, Hale, Bennett, Chaudry Kilfoyle, 2001) undertook a study to compare drug use among UK residents to that of their use in Ibiza. The key findings of the report found that 12 per cent of 16 to 29 year olds in the UK general population have used recreational drugs at some time, however in Ibiza 51. per cent of young visitors use illegal drugs on holiday. Of the major party drugs, 43. 1 per cent of tourists use ecstasy, 37. 5 per cent use cannabis and 24. 6 per cent use cocaine. For first time users â€Å"an increasing number of young British holidaymakers begin experimenting with illicit drugs at top clubbing resorts† (Bjortomt, 2003). The same author reports that those taking ecstasy in Ibiza for the first time has risen 16% from 1999 to 2002. 17. 4 and 33. 1 per 1000 people were introduced to cocaine and ecstasy use, respectively in Ibiza. For those tourists who constantly use recreational drugs at their place of origin, (Hughes, et. l, 2004) identifies that for ecstasy, 2. 9% of users in the UK who used the drug 5 or more times a week rose to 42. 6% whilst holidaying in Ibiza. Seasonal Employee Those people who travel to Ibiza for seasonal work in holiday resorts, nightclubs or bars (Hughes, Bellis Chaudry, 2004) conducted a survey to identify the level of drug use among casual labour in Ibiza, compared to that of visitors from the UK. As the research determines, those participating in casual labour are more likely to use illicit drugs when working in Ibiza than when working in the UK. Furthermore, casual labour used different types of drugs more frequent but used drugs on average two days a week, less frequent than recreational tourists in Ibiza. Sexual activity patterns in Ibiza Tourist Major concern for the island and home origin of the tourist is the amount of sexual activity that is evident in Ibiza. (Bellis, Hale, Bennett, Chaudry Kilfoyle, 2001) identify that 53. 8 per cent of tourists to Ibiza had sexual intercourse during their stay, with 26. 2 per cent not using protection and 23. 2 per cent having more than one sexual partner. These figures indicate a major problem for the spread of sexually transmitted infections in both Ibiza, with multiple partners being used without protection, and then the transference of these diseases to the home destination. Seasonal Employee For casual labour on the island, (Hughes Bellis, 2006) identify that 80. 5 per cent of casual labour in Ibiza had sexual intercourse with 65. 5 per cent having unprotected sex. The mix of drugs and sex among tourists and casual labour has become a risk for the sexual health of individuals and a potential conduit for the international spread of sexually transmitted infections. Destination Ibiza as a sense of ‘freedom’ The increase in drug taking and sexual activity can be described by (Dann, 2007) who developed a paper titled ‘Tourist Behaviour As Controlled Freedom’ with the purpose of identifying the correlation between a tourists perception of appropriate behaviour when on holiday to that of when they are in their home of origin. The paper suggests tourists assume the perception that the home environment portrays a lack of freedom to the individual through the idealisation of government laws and the sense that their lives are somewhat controlled by the notion of what is right and what is wrong. For the individual looking for a tourism experience, the event of taking a holiday can create a temporary respite from social incarceration – the pressures of a normal existence. Dann’s model in contrast with Ibiza is best described by (Bjortomt, 2003) as, â€Å"once abroad in Ibiza, the sense of freedom and atmosphere of excess means that some individuals who have never used drugs experiment. † It emphasises the argument from Dann that the individual gets empowered by the thought of ‘no boundaries’ whilst on holiday. With Spain playing host to 58. 5 million tourists in 2006 (UNWTO, 2007), and most of them looking for the escape of sun and sand, it’s a probable thought that the individual who visits Ibiza is looking to challenge the system that restricts them on a daily basis in their home environment. Influence of drugs in Ibiza The Tourism Market Once thought of as a hot-spot for lucrative market tourists, the new breed of tourism that Ibiza now attracts rivals most world destinations in terms of returning visitors (Nash, 2008). This new tourism market is known as party tourism. (Horner Swarbrook, 2004: 236) define party tourists as â€Å"tourists travelling to a destination with the purpose of experiencing the nightlife of a destination†¦consisting of dancing, consuming alcohol and as this report indicates, participating in drug related activities. The scope of party tourists that enter Ibiza is from a large population. (Gardiner, 2007) states that, â€Å"Ibiza attracts party people of every age and demographic. However, (Hughes, 2004) reports that 250 000 Britain’s aged between 18 and 30 travel there each year, suggesting that they are the main scope of the tourism market. A Drug Based Economy Just before the start of the 2007 clubbing season, three of Ibiza’s major nightclubs were closed down by police in what they described as â€Å"a preventative measure to make these clubs deal with the issue of drug dealing and consumption of patrons inside the venues† (Botsford, 2001). The closure lasted one month. The statement is an example of how much the Ibiza economy relies on tourists to support it. If local law enforcement agencies cannot implement a strategy long enough for it to have effect, as lost economic income is too great, then implementing any strategies that targets nightclubs will not be effective. Property Value The drug culture impacts highly on property owners in Ibiza. The seasonality of tourists entering Ibiza chasing the warm beach weather has implications on owners who rely on party tourists to rent their properties for various lengths of stay. (McDonald, 2007) reports that the hot, hedonistic summer period is when owners of rental properties will make most, if not all of their money. (Warncke, 2007) reports that when three of the islands major nightclubs, DC-10, Bora Bora and the world-famous Amnesia were closed in early 2007, it had a damaging effect on the tourism industry on the island. â€Å"News of the closures led to people cancelling their trips to the island,† stated (McDonald, 2007). Reliance on tourists for business income and employment For the summer periods in Ibiza, locals rely on the vast number of tourists entering the island to generate a majority of their income. Furthermore, the party tourism market that comes seasonally generates a large number of jobs for locals and working tourists (Hughes Bellis, 2006). Strategies by police and tourism officials with the purpose of restricting party tourism would damage the direct spending of visitors through fewer arrivals, therefore economic income for local businesses and employment opportunities would decrease. Suppliers of illegal drugs High concern for the Ibiza Tourism Commission has to be the amount of illegal drug supply that is easily available to those who want it (Chesshyre, 2001). The majority of supply is coming from the UK through rival drug dealers –one from Liverpool, the other a mixture of people from Newcastle and Morocco (Counzens, 2006). The article proposes that expat gangs have traditionally moved their operations to feed the summer demand for ecstasy and cocaine in Ibiza’s nightlife scene. The introduction of rival suppliers has had devastating impacts in Ibiza. (Townsend, 2006) reports that a spate of contract killings, some of Britain’s most wanted criminals and an illegal drug trade that links San Antonio to drug syndicates in most major UK cities are evident in Ibiza. In the same article, it is revealed that, â€Å"police believe hundreds of kilos of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of ecstasy tablets have been successfully dispatched to the 12-mile strip of sand and rock in the Mediterranean. † The supply of illegal drugs into Ibiza is an issue that needs to be addressed by governments in Ibiza and the UK. It is evident that the main supply comes from the UK, therefore the UK government has a duty to stop the illegal supply of drugs exiting their country and as shown, infecting another. Ibiza doesn’t have the resources to stop the supply of hard drugs entering their country, and assistance is required from the UK. Nightclubs and Police Involvement It is unclear whether nightclub owners and their employees and local law enforcement and are involved in the facilitation of drug dealing within the clubs however (Chesshyre, 2001) suggests that the island has tactically accepted drug dealing, and that police have effectively turned a blind eye to the problem for fear of destroying a lucrative tourist industry that attracts thousands of visitors each summer. Moreover, when asking a nightclub owner what would happen if police were to crack down on drugs in clubs, he noted, â€Å"I think most of the clubs would go under – and that just won’t happen†¦drug culture is one of the most important parts of clubs. † Consequence of a party culture Destination Image Ibiza first attracted the attention of artists, models, movie stars and musicians in the 60s and 70s. It was then the hippie clique descended on the island to practice yoga or to enjoy all-night parties and philosophical conversations around bonfires on the beach. The island had the image of a place to relax, somewhere to lose oneself in the tranquillity of sand and sun. Fast forward to the 80s and Ibizas hippie attraction was starting to fade. By then the island had begun to carve out a reputation as the place to go if you wanted the best nightclub experience that Europe perhaps even the world had to offer (NW, 2007). The shift in destination image also changed the tourism market. Tourists are now looking for the all night dance experience that floods the streets of Ibiza. Josefa Mari, head of Ibiza’s tourism and economic department, states that â€Å"the clubbing scene forms only a tiny part of what the island offers, but it’s what defines us internationally, and it’s damaged our image† (Nash, 2008). Ibiza is not alone in terms of the destination image being revolved around all night partying. Miami, South Florida, is also world renowned for tourists looking for the party experience whilst soaking up the sun on the beach during the day (McClure, 2008). However, Ibiza’s differentiation strategy, whether they want it or not, is dangerous. Ibiza is directly linked to the notion that a drug-culture is embedded in the tourism experience, as (Chesshyre, 2001) notes â€Å"drugs, if you want them, are freely available in Ibiza. † (Nash, 2008) suggests Ibiza’s tourism and economic department are trying to push the focus of Ibiza tourism to more nature-based experiences, with the hard partying scene being scaled down and in some cities, phased out. It would appear though, through the lack-lustre effort to control the party scene for the past decade, significant damage to Ibiza’s destination image has been done. Crime The impact of crime increase in Ibiza has damaged the belief of safety that an individual demands when participating in tourism (Weaver Lawton, 2006: 104). The rivalry between gangs competing for drug market-share has spilled out into the streets, affecting the safety of tourists visiting Ibiza. (Couzens, 2006) reports that a â€Å"shocking street gunfight between rival British gangs erupted with an 18 year old man touring the island shot in the face, spending a week in the hospital and another man being hit in the chest. Neither of the two had affiliations with the gangs. Other reports of crime rise come from (Fuchs, 2006) who reported that a group of tourists staying in a high-rise apartment were broken into twice in one week, having their belongings stolen on both accounts. (Marinos, 2004) identifies that Spain has one of the highest rates of drug related rapes in the world, with 244 rape victims reported in 2002. Crime experiences like these affect Ibiza in two ways. Firstly, there is an element of cocooning among tourists when they enter a resort on the island. They will often stay close to the resort and wont venture across the island in fears of having being burgled or worse, raped. Secondly, Ibiza is trying to change its destination image. Tourists who can change this are those who spend money in the communities and are their for a relaxation experience, not partying. However, this tourist demographic will not visit the island if they feel a sense of insecurity. If Ibiza is too attract a new tourism markets, or increase markets they see as importance in changing their destination image, then the government needs to take a string stand on eradicating their underlying drug-culture. Drugs In Nightclubs: An Australian Perspective In the capital city of Melbourne, Victoria, the party scene has developed into a major tourism market. It is common for intrastate and interstate travellers to fly or drive into Melbourne for the weekend and party for two days straight, returning home on the Sunday evening. The party tourism phenomenon is an existing market that has seen major developments in Melbourne over the past decade with the introduction of cheap domestic flights and nightclub incentives of free entry and free drink cards upon early arrival. Moreover, the affordable costs of a two night stay at a backpackers and the extra amount of discretionary income available for young people has seen this tourism market develop extensively. (Symons, 2004) reports that a study undertaken by the Australian Drug Foundation found that 60 per cent of patrons in Melbourne’s clubs and bars had tried ecstasy over the past six months. This pattern is not confined to Melbourne. The (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, 2001) found it â€Å"staggering† that 20 per cent of people aged between 20 -29 had taken ecstasy. That figure is now taken conservatively as it was taken from the population in 2001. â€Å"It is clear that illicit drug use is relatively common among groups of Australian people, notably those involved in clubbing, dance music and alternative music subcultures† states (Holt, 2005) after conducting a study of drug use among youth in Australia. At the nightclub industry scene, Brendan Prendergast – president of Australia’s Crowd Control Employee’s Association – comments that â€Å"the Australian public’s only hearing the tip of the iceberg when it comes to drug use in Melbourne. Prendergast, who worked as a crown controller for 30 years, believes that a major reason why drugs are such an issue is because of the amount of illegal crowd controllers working in clubs and pubs (Nolan, 2007). This statement presents a relationship between Melbourne nightclubs and Ibiza nightclubs in regards to the involvement of nightclub employees in the facilitation of drugs in nightspots and as (Chesshyre, 2001) acknowledges; a major problem with the amount of drugs available in Ibiza has a connection with nightclub owners and security personal on the island. The difference between Melbourne and Ibiza, in relation to drug use in party nightspots, is the amount of preventative measures from within both the nightclub industry and strategies at local and national governments to prevent drug use. A report produced by the Australian National Council of Drugs (Price, 2000) discussing the issues of drug use in Melbourne states that â€Å"there are a number of judicial and police-diversion strategies being funded in the Melbourne area targeting drug use at the venue. In Ibiza however, drug preventative measures inside the venue are relatively scarce with (Govan, 2007) commenting, â€Å"Clubs are policed by their own security guards, with dealers still managing to ply their trade easily. † At the government level, drug strategies are non-funded and the introduction of preventative strategies through heavier police involvement in nightclub venues is desperately needed to stop the dealing of illicit drugs to new and existing users. Preventat ive Measures/ Minimisation Strategies – Interventions in dance music resorts (Bellis, Hughes, Bennett Thomson, 2003: 1717) identify that interventions are urgently needed in dance music resorts to prevent non-drug users from experimenting with illicit drugs and users from moving into a wider range of substances. Such interventions are currently scarce and therefore represent a missed opportunity to reduce the spread of illicit drug use. Moreover, (Deehan Saville, 2003) undertook a study to determine the scope of recreational drug use amongst clubbers in the South East of England. Key findings from the report found that many recreational drug users have actively sought out information about the potential health consequences arising from drug use and took measures to minimise the risk. This indicates the willingness that clubbers are likely to be receptive towards the provision of practical, evidence-based information focusing on safe use and reducing harm. Drug minimisation strategies related to Ibiza should focus on having educational information at major nightclub venues through either flyers in restrooms or leaflets upon entry. Furthermore, the same approach can be utilised at the hotels of interest for these club tourists to indicate the risk and minimise use before the individual is caught up in the nightclub atmosphere. Administering nightclub and after party curfews â€Å"The problem is that the party is non-stop†¦it’s difficult to keep going if you don’t take drugs† states Juan Pantaleoni, San Antonio’s town spokesperson (Fuchs, 2006). San Antonio, a town in Ibiza, is a renowned hot spot for British tourists looking to escape the pressures of home-life and party all night. It is San Antonio however that has started to deal with the issue of all night parties. Before the opening of its party season in 2007, the government banned so-called â€Å"after parties†, which start when the clubs close their doors and often run until noon that day. This strategy minimised the amount of drug influenced people on the streets during the day, reducing the potential risks of violence and contact with tourists who are not attracted to the destination for the party scene (Botsford, 2001). Ibiza would benefit from implementing the same strategy as San Antonio as its potential for success has been realised and regardless of the fact that it won’t stop drug taking, it will enable other tourists and locals to feel safer during the day. Cooperation between Ibiza government and origin destination Cooperation between the Ibiza government and that of tourists’ home country is desperately needed to help minimise the demand for first time drug users to experiment with drug taking. Focusing on the UK market, the demand for tourists to enter Ibiza’s party culture is an extensive market, with (Botsford, 2001) reporting that 700 000 British tourists arrive at the destination per year. Education for the tourist before they arrive in Ibiza is needed, wit possible strategies including information flyers at airports or on the plane, and information websites on the dangers of drug taking specific to the Ibiza nightlife. As presented earlier, individuals are open to risk information and having a wider spread of information outlets will increase the amount of tourists coming into contact with risk educational material. Bellis, Hughes Lowey, 2002) state that some countries have already developed approaches to nightlife health. However, growth in the international travel associated with nightlife and the additional risks posed by nightclubbing in an unfamiliar country mean both interventions and basic health and safety measures are now required on an international basis. Conclusion The impact of drugs within Ibiza is something of serious concern for government officials and the future of tourism at the destination. Ibiza has adopted a drug culture that is not only affecting the island and its residents, but is starting to develop a negative destination image. Immediate strategies to combat the ‘out of control’ spiral that party tourism is having on the destination are needed, and these strategies must be implemented and evaluated efficiently. A drug sub-culture is a problem for Ibiza to attract other potential tourism markets with many wanting the perception of safety and relaxation when on a holiday. The party tourism arket is starting to restrict the experience of other tourists, and if strategies aren’t implemented, these tourists will start to relocate elsewhere. Ibiza would benefit from understanding the scope of drug problems in countries where the majority of their tourists come from to get insight into the drug implementation strategies that have been proven to work. It is crisis time for Ibiza and cooperation between local governments, the Spaniard government and ni ghtclub owners is needed to restrict the drug issue as a whole industry, instead of trying to implement strategies that don’t have the funding or support of key stakeholders. Ibiza should move quickly in implementing new strategies, before party tourism is the only culture identified by tourists and they lose lucrative markets. References Author Withheld. (2007). Ibiza. News Weekly, 15(52), p. 2-5. Retrieved May 26, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Bellis, M. , Hughes, K. , Bennett, A. Thomson, R. (2003, April 3). The role of an international nightlife resort in the proliferation of recreational drugs. Addiction, 98(12), 1713-1721. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from Academic Source Premier. Bellis, M. , Hale, G. , Bennett, A. , Chaudry, M. Kilfoyle, M. 2000, April 25). Ibiza Uncovered: changes in substance use and sexual behaviour amongst young people visiting an international night-life resort. International Journal of Drug Policy, 11, 235-244. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from Business Source Premier database. Bellis, M. , Hughes, K. Lowey, H. (2002). Healthy Nightclubs and recreational substance use: from a harm minimization to a healthy setting approach. Addictive behaviours, 27(6), p. 1025. Retrieved May 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier. Bjortomt, O. (2003, January 12). Ibiza gives young first taste of illicit drugs. The (United Kingdom) Times, p. 1. Retrieved April 10, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Botsford, F. (2001). Clampdown on Ibiza Nightlife. Retrieved May 23, 2008, from http://news. bbc. co. uk/1/hi/world/europe/1435942. stm Chesshyre, T. (2001, July 28). Where drugs are sold like sweets. The (United Kingdom) Times, p. 1. Retrieved April 3, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Couzens, G. (2006, August 13). Guns wars on party island. UK Sunday Mirror. Retrived May 27, 2008, from Academic Search Premier. Curley, G. (2007, April). Make Ibiza Mine! Vanity Fair, 560, 252-265. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Dann, G. M. S. (1997). Tourist Behaviour as Controlled Freedom. Australian Tourism and Hospitality Research Conference. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Bureau of Tourism Research Deehan, A. Saville, E. (2003). Calculating the risk: recreational drug use among clubbers in the South East of England. Home Office Online Report, 43(11), p. 12-53. Retrieved May, 25, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Forsyth, A. , Barnard. M. McKeganey, N. (1997) Musical performance as an indicator of adolescent drug use. Addiction, 92, 1317-1325. Retrieved April 4, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Fuchs, D. (2006) Crimewave may mean the party is over for Ibiza. The Guardian, Retrived May 28, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Garratt, S. (1998). Adventures in Wonderland: a Decade of Club Culture. London, United Kingdom: Headline Book Publishing. Govan, F. (2007, July 16). Special Report: Ibiza’s Failing Drug Clampdown. Retrieved May 17, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Gardiner, A. M. (2007). Ibiza, Spain. New York Times, p. 13. Retrieved May 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier. Harman, D. (2002, August 28). On a Mediterranean isle, drugs eclipse sun and sand. Christian Science Monitor, 94(192), p. 7. Retrieved April 6, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Hughes, K. , Bellis, M. Chaudry, M. (2004). Elevated substance use in casual labour at international nightlife resorts: a case control study. International Journal of Drug Policy, 15(3), 211-213. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from Business Source Premier database. Hughes, K. , Bellis, M. (2006, February 21). Sexual behaviour among casual labour at international nightlife resorts: a case control study. BMC Public Health. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from Business Source Premier database. Hughes, K. (2004). A potent cocktail. Nursing Standard, 18(47), p. 14. Retrieved May 25, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Holt, M. (2005). Young people and illiciot drug use in Australia. Social Research, 3, p. 1-6. Retrieved May 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier. Horner, S. Swarbrooke, J. (2004). International Cases in Tourism Management. London, United Kingdom: Butterworth-Heinemann Nash, E. (2008 April 6). Ibiza: Is the party over?. Retrieved April 10 from independent. o. uk/news/europe/ibiza-is-the-party-over-805249. html. Marinos, S. (2004). Holiday Rape. Cleo 378, p. 156-160. Retrived May 28, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. McClure, R. (2008, May 9). Party all day and all night in glittery, glamorous Miami. Retrieved May 23, 2008, from Academic Search Premier. Nolan, K. (2007). Fed: Time to Bounce the Bouncers. AAP Australian National News Wire. Retrived May 23, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Price, K. (2000) Melbourne AOD Agency Forum report. Retrieved May 26, 2008, from ancd. org. u/publications/forums/forum7. htm Symons. E. (2000, July 12). How safe are you on holiday? The Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. Townsend, M. (2006). Gang Violence erupts as rave craze returns. The Guardian, Retrived May 28, 2008, from Australian/New Zealand Reference Centre database. UNWTO. (2007). World U. S International Arrivals Reciepts. Retrieved May 27, 2008, from http://tinet. ita. doc. gov/outreachpages/inbound. world_us_intl_arrivals. html Warncke, C. (2007). Ibiza: DC10, Bora Bora, Amnesia Shut Down. Retrieved May 23, 2008, from www. inistryofsound. com/news/features/20070608_ibizaclubs Weaver, D. Lawton, L. (2006) Tourism Management (3rd Ed. ) Milton, QLD, Austral;ia: Wiley Publishers. Bibliography Woods, G. (1993). Drug Abuse in Society. Santa Barbra, California, USA: ABC-CLIO publishers South, N. (1999). Drugs: Cultures, Controls and Everyday Life. London, Great Britain: Athenaeum Press, Gateshed. Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse. (1971). Report from the Senate Select Committee. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government Publishing Service. Munns, R. (2007). Tourists flock to Spain for 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2008, from Academic Search Premier.

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As this dawns on us at a moment when democratic regimes are a necessity in the new global context, how do we solve the problems which have stalled the institution this much cherished democracy? The answer the thesis states lies in the institutionalization of democracy. Introduction The quest for good governments in Africa has been a high priority item on the agenda of African and world politicians for well over half a century. The African continent for several decades now has been replete with ills such as low living standards, a stagnant economy, and high rates of unemployment, poverty, low infrastructural development, a violent political environment, dictatorships, ethnic clashes and above all a general disregard of the fundamental rights of the people. It still grapples with these political uncertainties, economic adversities, and social inequalities today (Chazan, 1999). 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There have been several events starting with the legalization of political parties and the return to multiparty elections in the late 1980’s which suggested that democracy was well under way on the continent. But as it was being instituted it faced several challenges which resorted to disorderliness throwing back the move to democracy; new forms of electoral authoritarianism, return to military and in some extreme cases gruesome civil wars broke out on the sub-continent. This has left many critics of African democracy to question the possibility of instituting genuine democracy on the continent, despite it being the choice of the people. Apologist of African democracy have since argued that Africa’s political crisis were as a result of an imposition of a western culture or style of administration which is not compatible with the African society. They consider democracy alien and in violation to the African culture (Ake, 1991). This according to them has been the reason for the failure of democracy. They rather support the one party dictatorial style governance, which they claim is the best means by which the continent can unite to develop (Busia, 1961). Another school of thought which emerged after the transition period, the modernist, advanced reasons for the failure of democracy in Africa, blaming the superficial nature of the state, and its failure to penetrate the African society adequately, calling the state a weak leviathan (Chabal Daloz, 1999). This same school and notably Patrick Chabal note that Africa’s economic crisis does not favor the successful implementation of democracy on the continent. Democracy he argues is underpinned by capitalism, a uniquely dynamic and productive system, in its absence therefore there is doubt that democracy can be successfully instituted on the African sub-continent. This view has also supported the point that democracy is an imposition on Africa and thus will always fail the aspirations of those who seek to implement it on the continent. This thesis therefore sets out to answer some of this cynicism and provide a possible solution for the problems democracy in the African sub-continent faces. If anything democracy has not failed Africa, but Africa as shown by the poor actions of its leader, has failed to grasp the concept of democracy. It sets out trying to systematically bring out how through its political evolution, it is the failure to properly institute democracy during the second wave democratization process which has brought about the political crisis the sub-continent is facing. Secondly if neo-patrimonialism exists and survives today it is because leaders have twisted democratic tenets to suit their whims and caprices, thus legitimizing such authoritative regimes. The set backs it faced during the mid-1990 did not spell doom for democracy, but rather served as an eye opener for Africa. â€Å"The democratic struggle is a gradual process which will emerge from experience and improvisation as it continues to struggle† states professor Claude Ake, who believes that Africa’s experience will develop the best suited type of democracy that will solve its problems (Ake, 1993). Democracy can survive in Africa, but the players and fomenters must take several factors into consideration, like picking up more democratic ethics and tenets and developing a strong united civil society, showing more good will and respect towards their people and the state as opposed to the selfish and greedy attitude which has been noted to be the norm on the sub-continent. With time as adequate steps like institutionalization and consolidation are taken, democracy will be a success story in Africa. This view is also supported by Larry Diamond, who stated inter alia â€Å"†¦ if progress is to be made towards developing democratic governance, it is likely to be gradual messy, fitful and slow, with many imperfections along the way† (Diamond, 1989, p.24). Thus this piece looks at how these imperfections were created and how certain responses will set the sub-continent on track to democratic governance. This thesis starts off by looking at the development of democracy on the African sub-continent in the 1990’s. Chapter one will therefore start off looking at why the third wave started, how it happened and why it was believed to have been the new way for Africa. The case of post independent African politics was very elusive of the masses. The one party patrimonial state had proven to be disastrous, the military regimes which later emerged, preaching immediate growth and development also failed the aspirations of the people and so there was a general move by the people towards democracy. This was in addition to the external pressures that existed at the moment. Thus there was a general surge towards democratic elections in the sub continent, with several parties legalized and the political life of the sub-continent in different countries. Chapter two looks at the break down in the drive towards democracy. Why the democratic frenzy was short lived, only registering limited success across Sub-Saharan Africa. As the concepts of multiparty elections were applied across the sub continent, there were different outcomes with each case being very unique to the different nations. Generally democracy failed to take root. It was cosmetic and a virtual democracy as described by Richard Joseph. It will consider the reasons why this was the case. Given that almost all the countries in the sub-continent held elections of different kinds, did this imply they were all democracies? We will look at the new classifications of African regimes. Considering that they were all at this point considered transitionary. Chapter three starts off by considering the complex nature of democracy. It brings out a list of factors which qualify a state as a democracy or not. It then looks at the regimes on the sub-continent and categorizes them per the 2006 Freedom House Review. These are democracies (11), Hybrid regimes (23) and autocracies (14). Since our focus is on the failing state we shall look at the commonalities and differences between the hybrid and failed/unreformed regimes. In that light we shall bring out the common or popular concern for democracy in Africa which is the misconception democracy suffers and the need for institutionalization. Chapter four now looks at the problems African democracies have faced since inception. Considering the very broad nature and tone the thesis has taken this far, it will consider a case study on the Republic of Cameroon, a country in the Central African region of Africa, which has failed to properly institute democracy till date. It is considered an electoral autocracy and serves as a perfect example of how Africa, fails democracy. The problems this state faces are in effect what most of the states of the Sub-Saharan region face, certain outcomes may differ, but essentially the issues or problems are the same. This study will provide the perfect opportunity of putting into context all the issues that I have raised this far to buttress the point of the thesis, which is that it is the failure to fully understand and properly grasp the concept of democracy that has caused democracy to fail in this country and the sub-continent as a whole. These areas include the formation of political parties, to the electoral process, the narrow political field, constrained civil society, absence of civility, politicized violence and the international support for dictatorships. These points were adequately discussed by Professor Celestin Monga. Chapter five shall be the conclusion to this project in which we shall be looking at possible solutions to the problems raised above. It shall first suggest solutions to the problems duly raised and also consider effective institutionalization through the strengthening of the three tiers of government namely the executive, legislative and judiciary; so that there is a balance in power amongst these three. By applying these solutions in the Cameroonian context and eventually on the sub-continent, the African sub-continent will be brought closer to the mark of consolidated democracies. The Rebirth of Democracy (1990-1993) The period 1989-1993 was considered to be the break point for Africa. This is the period during which Africa witnessed a wave of regime changes. Hitherto to this period, single party, military regimes and presidents for life was the norm in most African states. Competitive politics was considered a luxury by most African leaders who stated that it was neither necessary nor affordable for Africans (Decalo, 1992). This belief was aptly described in the words of Sierra Leonean president at the time Siaka Stevens when he said of democracy and I quote ‘†¦it is a system of institutionalized tribal ethnic quiquennial warfare euphemistically known as elections which is an open invitation to anarchy and disunity’ (Decalo, 1992) a view which was endorsed by Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere who also stated that democracy was stronger with a one party state rule which unified the country. To back up this system of administration, it was claimed that Africa had its own unique history and tradition thus the introduction of democracy was a violation of the integrity of the African culture (Ake, 1991). The African traditional system in its own right, they further argued, was infused with democracy with standards of accountability considered to be stricter than the west, though invariably patrimonial, thus it possessed signs of a democracy-hence a democracy (Ake, 1991). A second argument put forward was the social composition of African states. Because of its plural nature, the introduction of liberal democracy could possibly inflame ethnic rivalries which will result in political disintegration. Democracy they argued was a distraction to what was important for society. It was a thing for elites and the educated masses and ended on paper, it did not provide or cater for the pressing needs of the rural masses. This one party protagonist’s concluded that a patrimonial system was going to unite and direct all positive energy towards economic development (Ake, 1991). Thus African style democracy as it came to be termed of one party politics was considered the best option for Africa given its complex social context, endorsed by most Western governments as shown by their cooperation with them. This ideology was even backed in cases by the World Bank as noted by their remark that â€Å"†¦with weak states, only a bureaucratic authoritarian regime could contain fissiparous tensions and lead to a free market economy†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Decalo, 1992). Africans believed so much in this style of administration Samuel Decalo talks of Mugabe during a state visit to the United States of America in the 80’s, who recommended to the American congress, the one party state system as an option they should consider (Decalo, 1992). A point to note here is the hypocrisy of this political ideology. Despite preaching governments of national unity and socio-economic development, the opposite was being practiced and witnessed in most countries. The presidency and administration became the possession of whatever ethnic group held the presidency. Nepotism was rife and groups were rather occupied with gaining a greater share of the existing pie than working for equitable development (Decalo, 1992). This political practice as a result accentuated the tribal and ethnic divide which existed within the many African states and fuelled anti-government sentiments amongst the population as we shall see below. A change to this political scenario though requisite, was least expected to occur by scholars, in a continent which had shown signs of defiance to a more liberal democracy by sticking to its own developed and formulated ideology of ‘Afro-Marxism’ (Decalo, 1992). There were strong calls both from within and without for a change to the system that was failing to provide adequately for their needs. This saw mass demonstrations, rallies and civil disobedience all calling for the return of democracy and for regime change. This was spawned by the stifling political authoritarianism and economic decay, further triggered by the spectacle of the fall of titans in East Europe (Decalo, 1992). The one party state had yielded a form of presidential authoritarianism, through which the state economy was plundered, there was a disdain for civic and human rights, and little or no attention was paid to the plight of the rural population (Decalo, 1992). Economic projects were failing to materialize; there was the absence of infrastructural development needed for this growth and above all a high rate of unemployment. The military regimes which took over power in certain instances to sweep clean the state failed to return power back to civilian rule and fell into the same predicament by falling short of the efficiency mark. These regimes were thus fundamentally unaccountable, personalized and patrimonial (Decalo, 1992). There were the failures of these regimes that could be considered the primary cause of the call to democracy and multipartyism. The growing urbanization and education of Africans made sensitive to the hostile political and economic environment being created by their leaders, thus they desired liberty and the respect of their rights which had been usurped and abused by this dictatorial one party system. They wanted their grievances listened to and solved by a regime that had been removed from the people, blind and deaf to their problems. The only way to do this was by mass protest against such regimes and seeking to over throw them. Economic related reasons, mainly externally influenced, could be said to be the greatest factors which led to this drive in re-democratization. Africa relied for a large part on international aid and loans to fund most of its activities. The administrative sector was the biggest employer in most countries, thus the money aid they received was used almost entirely on salary payments and carry out government businesses, rather than invest in lucrative businesses which could eventually pay back. Civil servants in the higher echelon were corrupt and embezzled these state funds to fund their luxurious lives. The growth registered within the economy was good but this was not sustainable growth and did not guarantee a future for the economy. Most corporations were state owned and private businesses were not promoted or were largely absent. As a result of all these, donor countries through the IMF and World Bank suggested certain adjustments be made with the governance system if they were to continue offering this aid and loans. This came to be known as the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) which called for African governments to privatize state owned corporations, cut down on its public sector and above all to democratize as conditions to receive aid. This provided a lee way for the dissenting voices of nationals who wanted change. They were joined by civil servants who suffered huge pay cuts and in extreme cases lost their jobs. This situation was further aggravated by the fall in commodity prices in the international markets meaning that African states were pretty much at the mercy of international donors, who wanted change with the regimes. Finally the demise of communism and the end of the Cold War also had an immense impact on the political life of African states. First of all it diverted the attention of investors to the newly liberalized and potential economies of Eastern Europe, thus reducing the amount of capital investments which flowed to the continent, affecting the African economy adversely. Secondly the West no longer supported the dictatorial regimes in Africa as it did during the Cold War days. They withdrew support from these regimes (example of Angola and Togo where they had supported antagonized sectarian groups) asking them to democratize as a condition for continuous aid and loans (Decalo, 1992). This was especially true of France who had since independence maintained a close link with Francophone African states and signed several military accords with African states offering them (military) support when they needed it; the case of Central Africa and the support they offered Idriss Deby against Bedel Bokassa 1990, one authoritarian regime for another. The Apartheid regime of South Africa also did not receive any more support from the West, who had pursued half hearted sanctions against this repressive regime. As soon as the Cold War came to an end, the Apartheid regime under pressure yielded and released Mandela, introducing reforms, forcing other African states to follow suit, who had used this regime to propagate a repressive rule against their citizens. They were thus forced to change. The first shots of democracy in Africa were noted in Benin, when in early 1990, students, civil servants and the whole community took to the streets denouncing the rule of then president, Mathieu Kerekou and calling for what they termed â€Å"a national sovereign conference of all active forces† (Richard Joseph, 1991). This sovereign national conference was to bring together representatives of the different sectors and works of life in a voice of national unity to address the problems of society. In the case of Benin, it resulted in the removal of President Mathieu Kerekou’s control of public policy and the establishment of a transitional government (Richard Joseph, 1991). The outcome of this was received with much delight in other African states and they later began calling for national conferences in their respective countries. This was the case in Togo, Zaire, Congo, Gabon and Cameroon. The out come was not necessarily the same as in the case of Benin, because not all the presidents yielded to such demands, they resisted these popular calls and tried making substantive concessions to the opposition (Richard Joseph, 1991). All in all it marked the beginning of change on the continent as a result of popular demand (democratic will, the voice of the people). All this pressure resulted in the democratization of Africa as noted by the re-legalization of political parties, restored freedoms of association, assembly and expression and also in the reform of constitutions which led to multiparty elections in most sub-Saharan states (Richard Joseph, 1998). Over the brief period of 1990-1994, 54 competitive elections were held in 29 countries with 30 of the electoral outcomes welcomed by the electorates and the process ruled as free and fair by observers (Bratton, 1998). One party rule was noted to have been replaced with more open and participatory competitive democracy. With the influx of these political parties, they were quick at pointing out the short comings of government, its administrative inefficiency, political corruption, economic mismanagement, and social decay (El-Khawas, 2001). Notably between 1990 and 1993, twenty five countries held elections with eleven opposition parties winning and coming to power. Though very commendable, the legalization of opposition parties did not necessarily mean democracy for African countries (Diamond, 1994). Even those who saw regime change sooner than later faced crisis thus questioning the durability of democracy in Africa, because certain cracks were noted in the firmament of this nascent African democracy. Looking at the above, democracy was not brought about by conditions of the west, but rather it was the desire and commitment of the people for accountability and meaningful development from their respective governments, further fuelled by the economic conditions and effects of the SAP, which only came to show how poorly the state was being managed. On the contrary the west could be accused of complacency. As earlier mentioned they had supported these authoritative regimes and cooperated with them. Even after conditions were placed on leverage, they never followed them up or pressed this dictatorial regimes to democratize as in the case of Kenya, Cameroon and Togo just to name a few, to which the international community still offered loans and did not question the actions of these governments like human rights abuse, which drew a lot of criticism from the press and public (Ake, 1991). Therefore the call for democracy was only emboldened by economic factors which brought change at the time to some countries (Benin ousting of Kerekou, Liberia, fall of Samuel Doe) but failed to change regimes in others (Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya) and can not be said to be the main factor but a mix of both (Ake, 1991). Chapter Three: The Democratic Dark Days Following this run of political liberalization was a period of political violence, wars and crisis in a number of African countries that sent ripples down the nascent democracy in Africa. A critical look at the outcome of the first set of elections organized in the sub-continent drew a lot of criticism from pundits who considered the process as cosmetic and as failing in its objectives. What seemed to have been created on the African sub-continent was a virtual democracy as noted by Richard Joseph (Richard Joseph, 1993). This could be explained by the fact that in a number of African states, the incumbents managed to hang on to power after elections in their states, despite the mass demonstrations against their administrations and rule. It is necessary to remind ourselves here of the popular support democracy enjoyed in the different African states; it was not an orchestration or ploy of an elitist few, but a genuine request by all for change, thus a lot was expected in the form of regime changes across the continent. Despite this, a few countries (11 of the 25 countries that held competitive elections during the period of 1992-1993) and notably Zambia and South Africa managed to see a democratic change in leadership (El-Khawas, 2001). Thus the much anticipated democracy in sub-Saharan Africa was failing to take root. Regimes failed to be changed in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Kenya and Ghana just to name a few, despite mass protest and popular support the opposition in these countries enjoyed. Elections were noted to be carried out in a politically tensed atmosphere, characterized by intimidation (house arrest and states of emergency), massive vote rigging and general violence. The experienced leaders with all the powers they wielded violated the rules of the country with impunity and after enjoying the booty they had siphoned from the economy, had every intention of staying in power and as a result did all to ensure their stay in power. ). As a matter of fact, the biblical adage of old wine in new wine skins held true here since there seemed to be nothing new to the political order in a number of states that witnessed elections. The story of ousted leaders on the continent during the military coup days of the 1960’s had not been an envious one; as such they would do anything to preserve power in the event where they had been very reckless with power (Young, 1996; De Walle, 2001). This is what Professor Ake Claude termed the leadership crisis of the continent; according to the professor the African political crisis resulted from the absence of true statesmen, but rather the prominence of those with every intention of ensuring their stay in power or having their own share of the national cake (Ake, 1996). This assertion has been supported by Richard Joseph, who holds that a prebendal system is set up, with entrenched corruption, and the leaders work only for the benefit of themselves and their clients, leaving the locals to their own devices for survival (Joseph, 2003). As such, these leaders organized charades in the name of elections, given that they controlled the judiciary and legislative and with this centralization of power they were able to corner the multitude of opposition parties they had legalized as a disorganizing technique of the opposition (Young, 1996). As such despite their inefficiencies, the leaders found themselves in power with very vindictive policies against opposition strongholds. This was the case in Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon and Ivory Coast, where particular regions and tribes were subject to marginalization and vengeance of the leader. In Kenya, Arap Moi and his cohorts fomented tribal conflicts that led to the death of about 1500 and displaced a further 350,000 in the rift valley area, in Cameroon the Anglophone West Cameroon was massively under represented in the government that was formed following the presidential elections of 1992. Millions of dollars which were funds for other projects were misappropriated to ensure such electoral successes and thus their stay in power (Diamond, 2008; Young, 1996). These leaders were also noted by the international community as having been endorsed by the people, and as a result the West continued its support of these corrupt regimes with poor human right records, and with incumbents who had every intention to continue pillaging the economy as before. The situation generally speaking looked bleak for the African Sub-continent which had received the third wave with such enthusiasm. The democratic quest was dealt further blows when civil wars and genocides broke out in some of the sub-Saharan countries; there was a return of the military to power in others. This period is considered to be the dark moments of African political development. The Congo Basin has been noted as one of the main trouble spots on the continent owing to the manner in which the wars which emanated from this region spread across, affecting all the countries sharing borders. Zaire for starters was under the tight grip of the dictator Mobuto Sese Seko, who did not give into the pressures for democratization. He refused convening a national conference, blaming it on technicalities of representation owing to the ethnic diversity and broadness of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC). Thus democracy did not effectively take root there, despite calls for the democratization by the masses. Armed conflicts broke out first in Burundi following the overthrow of the newly elected president Melchior Ndadaye, by Tutsi officers, trying to reinstate Tutsi control over the Tutsi dominated state. In neighboring Rwanda, the Hutu rule came to a halt when following elections in 1994 the Hutu president Juvenal Habyarimana had to form a coalition regime with the Tutsi minority, but was assassinated during the process, giving room to extremist Hutu’s to launch a genocidal raid against the Tutsi’s. These two wars led to the death and displacement of millions further enshrining the problems rocking this continent. The National Resistant Movement (NRM) initiated by Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, an arm movement against dictators in the Central-East of Africa and enjoying the support of western powers and international donors promoted more of the armed conflicts faced by this part of Africa. It supported rebels against the Kabila regime who had earlier ejected Mobuto from power in 1997 (following the wars in Rwanda which gave the rebels led by Kabila the impetus to fight Mobuto) following a fall out between the rebels and Kabila, leading to the Congo war lasting from 1998-2003 Young, 1996; Richard Joseph, 1998). The story of armed conflicts in the wake of an era of democratic elections is numerous on the African continent. One very interesting case to site here is that of Congo-Brazzaville, where democratic tides were considerably reversed following the forceful return to power by Denis Sassou-Nguesso who had earlier been defeated in elections in 1993 (Young, 1996). This was accomplished with the support of France and Angola in front of a dumb struck international community that only muttered on the events that were ravaging the continent. The Liberian and Sierra Leonean cases could also be sited, but given these it is good enough to make our analysis of the democratic struggle in Sub-Saharan continent. These crises resulted in the deaths of millions, refugee problems, food shortages and famines, poverty, a poor economy and low rate of development not only in countries involved, but affected the economy of other states in general as it stalled possible investments in this part of the world. International investors feared investing in a place which did not guarantee the safety of their businesses; they rather invested in the newly democratized states of West Europe. African investors themselves were fleeing with whatever capital they had; leading to massive capital flights and brain drain as whole families sought new places and beginnings. This far Africa was not providing a perfect home for Africans. If anything these moments looked to be supporting the claims of some African democratic skeptics and proponents of African socialism (and thus one party style democracy) that democracy let alone libe