Primary Research Response

For my primary research I conducted three separate interviews with people of various backgrounds and experience. The first interview conducted was with a retired Command Sergeant Major from the 1st Special Warfare Training Group and also 5th Special Forces Group where he has done extensive work with the indigenous peoples of Ethiopia, Sudan, Iraq, and Pakistan. This interview was conducted over email due to time constraints, regardless the information that I received was more than substantial for my research. 1. The idea of globalization is that all countries are unified working in world interest rather than individual nation interest. With your background with forging nations do you think this concept is feasible or an unachievable goal? Why? Based on my experience, the concept of globalization briefs well in multiple forums, however, is an unachievable concept. Similar to the different classes of society, unfortunately countries fall into a similar hierarchy. This is not to say that the people of one class or one nation are better or more important than another. Rather, it illustrates the diversity of we face and the lengths that some have to go before they achieve a higher standard of living. Arguably, those countries that have adopted republic forms of government and embraced capitalism have fared far better than other countries which have not. Through their abundance, these countries have contributed trillions of dollars around the world over the past several decades in the form of goods, services and foreign aid, yet these poorer countries have not significantly improved their ability to achieve a higher standard of living. Undeniably, it isnt the common mans fault that the benefits of these goods and services hasnt trickled down, rather its their governments that have squandered, stole or misspent the aid that has kept these people poor. Some political parties believe the faster and easier way to level the playing field and achieve globalization is to bring the wealthier countries back down to the levels of the poorer countries. This is easily achieved through heavier taxation and reckless government spending in the wealthy countries.

During our height of production coming out of World War II, America lead the world in technology and manufacturing. Our education and standard of living was among the top five countries in the world. With the advent of globalization measures beginning in the 1970s with President Nixons trade trip to China and continuing with President Clintons North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), America has bled key technological and manufacturing jobs to other countries. Assisting in the push, Americas high corporate taxes and mandated employee benefits have further forced businesses to move facilities to foreign countries where labor costs are significantly cheaper. Make no mistake, these companies are still reaping millions of dollars annually through sales, however our workforce is shrinking at an alarming rate. Though our Gross National Product (GNP) stills ranks high in the world, our number of people that have quit looking for work and are currently living on welfare and food stamps has never been higher. Each country needs to legally, morally and ethically look out for its best interests in the world economy. Like minded countries will form alliances to better serve their interests. It is up to the people in the poorer countries to rise against and change their governments that fail to improve their standard of living and quality of life. This will never achieve true globalization, but it will force the poorer countries to rise rather than the affluent countries to decline. 2. From your experience with indigenous third world peoples, what would you say is the most key factor as to why they have yet to unify as a country and actually serve the interests of the people? Prejudice, politics and education. Many of the countries Ive visited are deeply rooted in their tribal and cultural traditions. These cultural beliefs also include deep prejudices against fellow countrymen of a different clan or tribe. The tribal mentality worked during the time before the industrial age and was very important to their survival. In many places they are still noble traits today. But since the rapid expansion of technology, only those countries that have expanded with the technology have reaped the rewards of it. Many countries, particularly in the middle-east and Africa, are still so rooted in their old ways they hinder the forward development and progress of their nations. In some areas transgressions

between tribes are remembered and resulted in prejudice hundreds of years later. I believe the one thing that would dramatically improve all people around the world would be an adoption of all governments of these words from our Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; Until the people realize they have the power to shape and control their destinies, they will continue to yield to the power of government to inflict its will upon them. Until the people improve their education to form their own thoughts and develop their own opinions, they will always be at the mercy of those who power over them. One case in point was a trip I made to Sudan back in the late 1980s. For years, countries have been pouring food into the desolate and drought stricken desert country to help feed the starving people. The country was in the turmoil of a decades long civil war between the Muslims in the north and Christians in the south. As we drove through Khartoum one day, I observed an open storage yard several hundred meters by several hundred meters in size that was used to store thousands of large food bags. This food was sent in by foreign countries and held at this spot until it could be distributed. Some of the pallets were stacked over ten feet high. Unfortunately, most of the food I could see was in the process of simply rotting in the sun, with no one but those delegated by the ruling government partaking in any of it. I later learned that from the nationals I was with, that the government, rather than taking the slightest chance that the food could get to the rebels in the south, decided to withhold the food from all the people, even those of their own religion.

3. With the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq do you feel these nations governments can manage to stay in power or will tribal influence and terrorist organizations flow back in and regain full strength? The current governments in Iraq and Afghanistan can only stay in power if they destroy those that embrace radical Islamic practices and allegiance to groups and philosophy of the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Tribal lines and loyalties run deep in those countries. Until they learn to live and cooperate with each other despite bloodlines and past transgressions, they will continue to fail. The terrorist organizations are evil. They teach it to the young and force people to bid their will and support them through coercion. 4. After nearly 13 years in Afghanistan and the continuous attempts to spread western democracy and independence there are still incidences where the Afghan Army still fires on US troops much like the incident that took place two weeks ago where two men were killed along with four more injured. Do you feel that this continuous rejection of the US, even after 13 years, is a sign that the Afghans do not wish to accept the west and continue to view the US as a nation heretic? From my first account discussion of one of the wounded from that incident it is still not confirmed whether the shooters were actual Afghan National Army (ANA) Soldiers. Through my accounts with people of different faiths, backgrounds, diversities and nationalities, I found the vast overwhelming majority to be just like me. They want the basics in life food, shelter and clothing. They want their children to grow up in a safe environment free of oppression and tyranny. They want their children to have a better life than what they had. While some of these attacks are carried out by Afghani militants that genuinely hate the western nations, others are forced into these attacks through fear, intimidation and threats to the lives of their families. The average person in Afghanistan has essentially nothing comparative to what our poor have over here. There is no good medical care, welfare, or internal aid system to assist the poor and down trodden. When a tribal leader or a member of the Taliban or Al Qaeda approach someone, ask them to kill an American or else he and members of his family will be tortured and killed, what do you suppose their answer will be? He will comply to save his family.

Are we being rejected, by radicals and members of Al Qaeda and Taliban? Most definitely. By the people, mainly by the hand of their oppressive leaders. Regardless of whether we are rejected or not, when the rules of engagement changed to favor the evil rampant in that country, it was time to bring our sons and daughters back home. It will then be up to those people to decide whether to stay oppressed and in servitude or fight for their freedom from their oppressors. 5. In places such as Africa, where resources are arguably more abundant than the US and the majority of western cultures. Why do you think these nations have yet to surpass the Western World in technology, economy, education, and the standard of living? Africa is one of the most resource rich continents in this world. Its riches far surpass most of the other continents combined. As previously discussed, their failure to capitalize and develop into a world leader is due to their prejudices, bigotry, oppression, lack of education and overall failure to live with one another. Until they learn to respect their fellow man and accept that he has the same God given rights as them, they will continue to wallow in abject poverty.

6. Do you feel that nations should be left to their own designs or should they receive help from more prominent nations? If so why and to what degree? As stated at the end of question one, each nation must look after its own people first. Train, education and develop infrastructure, and provide jobs that allow for the basic necessities in life food, water and clothing. Through trade with likeminded countries, they can continue to build their wealth. Dont trade with countries that dont share like interests. Its sends mixed messages as to what standards of behavior you allow and accept. Allies should support each other in trade and defense. I have no problems offering aid to any country suffering from catastrophic natural disasters. I do have issues with providing support to countries that could care less about us and that squander the provided support amongst select people and not the masses.

My second interview was with Dr. Garth Green, an Anthropologist and an International Studies Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This interview was conducted on February 27th at 3:00 p.m. The responses to these questions are not the exact words of Dr. Green, rather his general thoughts to the best of my recollection from the interview. 1. In your own words can you describe globalization and its major driving forces? There are many different aspects of globalization. Essentially you have political, economic, technological, and cultural aspects that all connect with one another to where when one force is active it creates ripples that affects another force. Such as economic forces affect political forces, political forces in turn affect cultural forces, cultural forces than can affect technological forces, and technology affects the economy. Subsections of these variables are capitalism, migration, and media which are progressing faster and more frequent. 2. Even if all countries have economic unity, does that necessarily mean that we are a unified global community? Or are we simply using other nations for their wealth and could care less about the citizens? Essentially this does happens with some nations and this is known as the resource curse. The idea is that a nation takes the resources of another nation for their market. They are also supposed to reinvest in the nation they are getting resources from in order to better stimulate growth so both nations can continue to help each other. However, in practice this is not necessarily what always happens. 3. Do you believe global political unity is achievable? Probably not, or at least not for a long time. 4. Do you feel less prominent countries are more likely to assimilate into the western perception? Not necessarily. New does not erase the old, it simply modifies it. You must also understand that it effects people differently. It also seems that your question looks into glocalization and ethnocentrism rather than the broadness of globalization. There also has always been interaction with nations, all it is now is

that these processes are being intensified and driven by the forces of the western world. 5. Why do think Africa, with all of its resources, are so far behind the United States and the western world? Not all Africa is so far behind. Many African nations are now growing, but the areas you are talking about are generally considered failed states where these areas have no political institutions to provide and unite the people. My final interview was with a retired Master Sergeant from the 1st Special Forces Group who has done extensive work in Southeast Asia, and Japan. This interview was conducted at 8:00 p.m. on March 2nd. The responses to these questions are not the exact words of the Master Sergeant, rather his general thoughts to the best of my recollection from the interview. 1. The idea of globalization is that all countries are unified working in world interest rather than individual nation interest. With your background with working nations do you think this concept is feasible or an unachievable goal? Why? Unachievable. Crimea is a great example of how this unification will not work. Crimea didnt want to be part of the Ukraine, but since the west spent so much time with political borders after World War II rather than ethnic borders we have instability worldwide where we see these ethnic groups in constant conflict.

2. From your experience with indigenous third world peoples, what would you say is the most key factor as to why they have yet to unify as a country and actually serve the interests of the people? Most governments are too corrupt to look out for their own people.

3. With the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq do you feel these nations governments can manage to stay in power or will tribal influence and terrorist organizations flow back in and regain full strength?

Tribal influence and ethnic differences will take over. 4. After nearly 13 years in Afghanistan and the continuous attempts to spread western democracy and independence there are still incidences where the Afghan Army still fires on US troops much like the incident that took place two weeks ago where two men were killed along with four more injured. Do you feel that this continuous rejection of the US, even after 13 years, is a sign that the Afghans do not wish to accept the west and continue to view the US as a nation heretic? At first the Afghans wanted us there when we had a small print in their nation. But as soon as we began to increase military strength they began to see us more as conquerors rather than liberators. This combined with the corruption of Karzai in the last election sends a message to the people that the US supports the rigging of the last election. This technique was used by the Brits and the Russians when these nations tried to maintain influence in Afghanistan. Now the United States seems to be attempting to do the same. 5. In places such as Asia why do you think these nations have yet to surpass the Western World in technology, economy, education, and the standard of living? Ethnic differences have kept everyone from unity. For example the Japanese look down on Koreans and think of them as dogs. They even look down on the Okinawans which is in Japan, but since they are not ethnically part of the main island they are also seen as dogs. Also I have been to places where the a person is in power simply because he can beat up everyone else in the village, Ive been to places where they think its impossible to land on the moon because they think its no bigger than a coin. 6. Do you feel that nations should be left to their own designs or should they receive help from more prominent nations? If so why and to what degree? I agree with foreign aid, but not with the mentality that democracy can work every time. Some people simply just want power.

The information in these interviews reveal that all three sources feel that global political unity is essentially unachievable. Essentially it seems to come down to oppression from governments to their people along with ethnic lines. While the nations of the west provide institutions for its citizens, the failed states that exist in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia seem to only squander what they can and keep the people from progressing. This confirms my original assertion that global unity may simply be out of reach for a long time, but also mildly conflicts with some documentaries that I have seen. With that in mind one of these documentaries was made by Thomas Friedman, a strong advocate of globalization; this means that the documentary itself is subject to mild controversy for being inherently biased. This does not mean that the documentary on outsourcing in India is nothing but a fallacy, it simply means that more information should be done on the aspects of the Indian people who feel their way of life is being impeded. The very same people Thomas Friedman tells that their ideas are incorrect and that they should accept the inevitability of globalization. Though Friedmans views conflict with mine, part of his findings from the grassroots people, the poor, and the working class who do not make enough to live a life in the city, are against the concept of globalization. Also the information I gathered from my two military sources seem to favor my theory rather than Friedmans arguing that the ethnic and tribal differences in these nations are too deep for an overnight change. For advocates like Friedman this is not compatible with their global ideology, which is why I pose the question of unification or assimilation, because historically that is what the western world has done to weaker nations to the point where very few managed to thrive as nations. As far as limitations to my primary research there are not any that I see. Some may argue that the use of military sources may seem like a one sided argument. But I argue with the undeniable fact that these men have been to the places where most men only theorize and see on television or the internet. Experience has always proven to be the greatest teacher so why not use the knowledge of an experienced man. Now I also understand the importance of having a scholarly source who has studied the subject, but even he seems to agree with the assertions I have made and that of the

soldiers I have interviewed. Three out of three is a strong indicator to continue to pursue my research in subject but also be mindful of the sources I use. But as a whole my primary resource is limitless to the information that I can continue to expound upon, such to a point that all three of these mens thoughts will be the basis for my paper and further research.

Reflection
1. The easiest part of gathering my research was the ease of which I was able to get in touch with my sources, likewise the passion I have for the subject makes it simple to write about. 2. I love my primary research. Its applications are limitless to my paper simply because of the combination of experience mixed with scholarly teaching. Essentially I have covered both ends of the spectrum, so as far as I am concerned I have the experience of two highly educated creditable men, along with the teachings of another highly creditable intelligent man. For my essay these interviews will be the base for my assertions. 3. I felt comfortable the entire time. While I have much work as an interviewer, as long as I am researching a topic I have interest in and a passion about it, I have no doubt my field researching skills will be effective. 4. I have not begun a draft yet, I plan to conduct more secondary research and typing my annotated bibliography before beginning my draft. I plan to pose both sides of the globalization theory and focus mostly on ethnocentrism and glocalization.