Friday, February 28, 2020

Drug Smuggling in Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Drug Smuggling in Australia - Essay Example These only make obvious the fact that most, if not all, of the country's drugs and narcotics supply come from outside its national borders. Because the drug problem has not yet been solved, the glaring truth is that the country's points of entry and exit remain vulnerable to drug smuggling. This paper aims to explain further the gravity of the problem in the current times as well as its potential consequences should it not be solved soon. Its significance dwell on the fact if an in-depth study of the problem is made, ideas may be drawn out to solve this. Ultimately, it may result into the necessary formulation of new policies against drug smuggling or the improvement of those already in existence. Just like many highly developed countries in the world, Australia has a problem with the proliferation of illegal drugs. Since it does not have its own source for these contraband, most of these drugs came from other countries and smuggled in through different means and transit points. This condition, fortunately, has made the country achieve a lesser incidence of drug use among its citizens compared to the US and the countries of Europe. However, this is not an excuse for complacency. In a survey done in 2004, 38 percent of the population aged 14 years and above were found to have used illegal drugs at least once. Of this number, 15 percent admitted that they used it only very recently. (Crime Facts Info) In fact, the problem may have only exacerbated with rising incidence of other crimes such as physical assault, sexual assault, robberies, and kidnappings. In many instances, drug use has been found to be contributing factors in the commission of these crimes. A majority of the cri minals have admitted using drugs. Historically, drug abuse in the country worsened during the Vietnam War. US soldiers on leave stayed in the country and they happen to be the most susceptible buyers of the drugs. The 1960's was also the time when the Australian youth, influenced by the hippie movement in the US, began to experiment on illicit drugs. Members of the US armed forces stationed in Australia's key cities smuggled heroin often from war-torn areas in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Thai-Burmese border. (Hamilton) Heroin, a narcotic byproduct of opium, was abundant in these areas. It was also the top selling illegal drug in the Asian-Pacific during these times. Australia, being near to the drug sources, was a most likely victim. After a brief surge in the 70's and 80's, heroin smuggling to the country has greatly diminished in the 90's. By the 2000's, there was virtually no more high-grade heroin being sold on the streets. (Weatherburn et al) However, the drug problem never actually abated since other addictive substances came into the country. Drugs as methamphetamine, cocaine, and morphine filled the void left by the heroin of Southeast Asian origin. In a media release in early 2008 by the AFP, the authorities claimed to have arrested 33 people for smuggling drugs internally. Those arrested and charged were on flights coming from Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates. (AFP, 2008) In 2008, Afghan heroin was smuggled into the country and was seen being sold in Sydney. (Kidman) II. Internal Drug Smuggling and Transnational Organized

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

How does globalization affect cultural imperialism and communities in Research Paper

How does globalization affect cultural imperialism and communities in regard to immigration - Research Paper Example Arguably, western powers have continued to extend their grip all over the world politically, economically and culturally. Labor is very important in our lives as it assures individual survival and the life of species (Arendt 8). This paper presents a very thoughtful discussion on how globalization affects cultural imperialism and communities concerning immigration. The first section provides the negative and positive aspects of cultural imperialism resulting from globalization, and the second part explains whether cultural imperialism has a positive or negative effect on communities of citizens and immigrants. With the increasing globalization and creation of global cities, may people shift to the cities; therefore, population change seen in these cities is as a result of globalization (Martinez-Fernandez et al 214). Arguably, the process of globalization was promoted by the expansion of the humanitarian system since the end of the Cold War (Barnett 723), and with the ongoing globali zation, the major aim of this process is to bring in cultural uniformity all over the world, and leaving no space for diversities. Globalization focuses on imposing American culture and way of life to accepted or embraced throughout the world. Globalization interferes with cultural imperialism and various communities as well as individuals’ lifestyles. Many people are afraid that the spread of globalization leads to the homogenizing different societies across the globe. Globalization entails accepting American culture as the dominant one, for instance, American multinationals such as Coca-Coca and McDonald are some of the most powerful corporations that have spread globally and influenced global consumer culture. These corporations have exerted a strong influence on local character and lifestyle. Arguably, American values have been embraced in various parts of the world, that is, their Hollywood movies, food, clothing, and many more, and this can be described as cultural impe rialism. More so, the spread of globalization through global media and multinational dispensations has promoted the erosion of local cultures and traditions, and this has greatly interfered with individual’s cultural identity. It is in the interest of the United States to encourage the development of a world where their economic and political interests would prevail, a common language is English, and the common values are developed to be in line with the values which Americans are comfortable with. Creating a global culture entails the promotion of a particular lifestyle, and globalization has strengthened the dominance of the world capitalism leading to elimination of local cultures and traditions through a global culture. Arguably, globalization brings about a homogenized global culture and the native cultures eroded, and this global culture leans heavily towards the West; therefore, from a cultural perspective, the process of globalization is largely the spread of American ization. Furthermore, today, we live in a consumers’ society where labor and consumptions is part and parcel of our lives (Arendt 126), and so, globalization has enabled the distribution of high tech machines to various places worldwide so as to make labor and work activities easier,