Thesis/Dissertation chapter on GSP and Diplomacy: An Analysis of the Political Dynamics in Granting and Withdrawing Trade Preferences
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: GSP and Diplomacy: An Analysis of the Political Dynamics in Granting and Withdrawing Trade Preferences
Introduction
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) has been a significant tool in international trade relations, serving as a mechanism to promote economic development in developing countries. However, the granting and withdrawal of trade preferences under the GSP have not only economic but also political implications. This dissertation aims to explore the political dynamics involved in the decision-making processes of granting and withdrawing trade preferences under the GSP scheme.
Background
The GSP is a preferential trade arrangement where developed countries grant tariff concessions to developing countries on a wide range of products. The goal is to promote exports from developing countries and foster their economic growth. While the GSP is primarily an economic tool, the decision-making processes surrounding the granting and withdrawal of preferences are influenced by various political factors.
Thesis Statement
This dissertation argues that the decision to grant or withdraw trade preferences under the GSP is not solely based on economic considerations but is significantly influenced by diplomatic and political factors. By analyzing case studies and examining the role of key stakeholders, this study will demonstrate how diplomatic relations, geopolitical interests, and domestic political considerations play a crucial role in shaping GSP policies.
Literature Review
Previous studies have highlighted the complex interplay between trade, diplomacy, and politics in the context of the GSP. Scholars have emphasized the importance of understanding the power dynamics between beneficiary countries and preference-granting nations. Additionally, research has shown that the withdrawal of trade preferences can be used as a diplomatic tool to exert pressure or influence on beneficiary countries.
Methodology
This dissertation will employ a qualitative research approach, utilizing case studies and policy analysis to examine the political dynamics of granting and withdrawing trade preferences under the GSP. By analyzing key decisions and policy documents, this study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how diplomatic considerations shape GSP policies.
Case Studies
– The United States’ decision to suspend India’s GSP benefits
– The European Union’s review of GSP preferences for certain countries in response to human rights violations
– Japan’s strategic use of GSP incentives to strengthen diplomatic ties with Southeast Asian nations
Conclusion
In conclusion, this dissertation will shed light on the intricate relationship between trade preferences under the GSP and diplomatic considerations. By delving into the political dynamics at play in the decision-making processes, this study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, diplomats, and scholars interested in understanding the intersection of trade and diplomacy in international relations.
By examining the nuanced interplay between economic interests and political motivations in the context of the GSP, this dissertation seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of how trade preferences can be leveraged as tools of diplomacy on the global stage.
