The Use of Sustainable Strategies in the Management of the Hotel Assignment

The Use of Sustainable Strategies in the Management of the Hotel - Assignment Example Sustainable practices can be an essential pillar in the hotel. Apart from helping to build the reputation of the hotel in the eyes of the general public, it can be instrumental in helping to reduce the costs of operations, conservation of the environment for a sustainable growth. To achieve this, I would like to highlight that the hotel has the following options to exploit: Energy is a crucial resource that the hotel cannot work without. With the overreliance on traditional sources of energy such as electricity, many hotels have been spending a lot of money on electricity. In fact, according to the hotel’s records, it spends a total of 19% of its revenues on energy. This means that energy has been very costly to acquire. To minimize its usage, the hotel can choose to adopt various measures. First, stop using high voltage bulbs and tubes and replace them with energy saving ones like Star Light Bulbs and LED lighting. There are revolutionary inventions because they have tremendously reduced the rate of energy consumption. For instance, the use of Star Light Energy saving bulbs has led to the reduction of energy consumption in hotels by up to 75%. Nevertheless, better results can still be attained if the hotel resorts to the installation and use of area sensors in the guest rooms and public resting spaces. Just like electricity, water is a very precious commodity in the hotel. Without it, no meals can be prepared, no cleanliness can take place, and no guests can drink or bathe. After all, it is a costly resource that must just be used for every single hotel facility. Because of this, it should be sustainably consumed. However, one way through which this can be accomplished is through the installation and a consistent use of low-flow showerheads and consumption landscaping.  

Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Criminal Justice - Essay Example This explains why the use of evidence-based policing will empower the police forces to make smarter decisions when controlling and solving crimes (Bueermann, 2012). Despite its advantages, there are cases wherein the police task force may not be knowledgeable enough to implement these strategies properly. For this reason, the process of continuously promoting evidence-based policing may only give the community members a wrong sense of safety and security (Alfredo, n.d.). For example, to reduce crime in Sacramento, the Sacramento Police Department conducted a â€Å"90-day Hot Spot study† between the 8th of February 2011 to the 8th of May 2011 (Sacramento Police Department, 2011). Based on the available crime records, the police highlighted â€Å"42 hot spots† wherein most crime occurred. Based on the research study findings, police visibility by simply patrolling around the hot spot areas for at least 15-minute period daily is effective in reducing crime rates in hot spot areas. Lum et al. (2010) conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine whether or not the use of license plate readers (LPR) can effectively prevent crime in hot spot areas. Throughout 30 hot spots across 2 jurisdictions, police patrols with LPR were assigned to monitor 15 hot spot areas using the â€Å"sweep and sit† approach within a 30-day experimental period. The research findings show that deploying a small number of police patrols with LPR is not sufficient to control crime. Alfredo, D. (n.d.). eHow. Retrieved October 21, 2012, from The Advantages & Disadvantages of Evidence-Based Policing: http://www.ehow.com/info_8495574_advantages-disadvantages-evidencebased-policing.html Lum, C., Merola, L., Willis, J., & Cave, B. (2010, September). Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, George Mason University. Retrieved October 21, 2012, from License Plate

The effect of Oil prices on the performance of stock markets of the Assignment

The effect of Oil prices on the performance of stock markets of the GCC countries - Assignment Example However, the concentration of the studies is in developed economies their analysis focuses on the impact oil price shocks have on stock returns. To determine the link, there should be an assessment of the changes in the prices of crude oil and the effects of such changes on the equity returns especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The assessment is both at country-level and industry-level. Studies show that the stock market in most of the GCC countries shows a significant response to oil price shocks. As per the industries, the shocks have a significant impact on returns of several industries (Mohanty, Nandha, Turkistani, and Alaitani, 2011). A conclusive study of the impact oil prices have on stock prices in GCC countries is, therefore, necessary. There GCC is composed of Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The Countries mainly import manufactured goods from other developed and developing nations. Any fluctuations in oil prices could therefore indirectly cause effects to GCC markets as they affect the prices of the products they import. A rise in prices of oil may lead to changes in interest rates and all types of investment. The effects of oil price shocks on the returns of stock depend more on how the negative and positive effects outweigh each other (Ravichandran and Alkhathlan, 2010). The GCC stock markets have limitations such as smaller number of listed firms, low sector wise diversification, and large institutional holdings. A key point to note is that GCC countries depend on oil to different extents and the efforts towards diversification, and economic liberalization differs in the different countries (Arouri, Lahiani, and Bellalah, 2010). That is despite them having several charac teristics in common. Among the six members of the GCC, there is a positive relation between changes in oil prices and stock market returns in three countries. The countries are Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab

Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 13

Technology - Essay Example Globally, technology has become very vital. However, as much as it has enhanced living, it has also brought some challenges like global warming, urban smoke and ozone depletion. The study seeks to outline the rational between technology and global change. Technology has played a very significant role and the transformations are evident in many areas around the planet. The first one is energy generation and consumption in both domestic and commercial use. Generally, power energy is used for warming and cooling our residence while in factories energy is essential in the production process. Currently, with energy resourceful technology, it is possible for individuals to employ a smaller amount of energy to get the same work done that before used very high energy levels. According to Brian and Gary, the use of efficient technologies has enormously contributed in saving money and energy (115). Technology has also led to new ways of generating energy such as wind, geothermal, solar and bio-energy. Energy obtained through these methods is referred to as renewable energy. It is believed to have the technical ability to meet all energy requirements, quickly and simple to set up, cost-effective and environmental friendly. With the correct tech nologies in place, environmental pollution can enormously be cut down while at the same time assist in jobs creation. The second area that has recorded enormous transformation is the transport sector. With the sector tremendously expanding, its segment’s discharges have risen at a much faster pace in contrast to any other power- using sector in excess of the earlier times. The major challenge, therefore, is how to enhance efficiency at the same time reducing discharge. Through technology, advances such as increased miles per gallon in all forms of transport and low–carbon petroleum are day in day out being developed (Brian and Gary

Education Essay Example for Free

Education Essay As they move into adolescents learning is obtained from multiple people including teachers, friends, and even through their surroundings. An ideal education promotes knowledge while incorporating valuable information that can be used to help in everyday life. â€Å"-Education is the process of acquiring knowledge. † True education comes in many different forms. Granted it is important to study the basic academic courses including reading, writing, arithmetic, science, and social studies which all will help set a strong foundation for the student. It is equally just as significant that the educator offer alternative information for the well-being of the student. Education should build not only on the text that lies within a book, but should also touch base with everyday life. Nutrient plays a key role in education. For someone to be alert, and attentive in class it is crucial for them to get a healthy meal to retain the information. There are many ways that administration can assist in this matter. For starters, they need to assure that every student gets a well-balanced breakfast in the morning and a wholesome lunch in the afternoon. We need to educate students that proper nourishment is a must. Every school should have a dietician design a meal plan that revolves around wholesome foods. Each student needs to be taught that good eating habits are essential to living a healthy life-style and being successful. A lot of health issues could be avoided if school providers taught children at a young age the difference between good foods and bad. Also, by putting the teachings into action and letting the children practice fun ways to create healthy dishes with their classmates and absorb an important lesson. So many people eat the wrong foods and suffer tremendously because, they are not educated on the proper foods to consume. Students need to be aware what can happen if they make poor eating choices, and how junk food effects not only their health and weight, but also their mental capability’s as well. Good eating habits need to be exercised in the lunchroom, as well as the classroom to be fully educated in nutrient. Physical fitness is equally important when speaking upon education. With computers and video games on the rise, it is more likely in today’s society for a child to be sitting in front of one of these devices, then it is for them to be playing outside. While these machines can be great educational tools and stimulate the mind, they do nothing when it comes to physical fitness. Physical education needs to be incorporated in the learning process. Students need to experience the joy associated with exercise. Physical education classes today are either limited or almost non-existent. Students should have a set time everyday for physical education. This will help fight obesity and promote healthy-living. Students need to be exposed to physical hard work and know that it pays off. The rewards associated with physical education are huge. It teaches the student how to get in shape and stay fit while building strength. Physical education gives the student the necessary tools to participate in after school sports as well as exposing them to different activities. By doing so it points the student in a positive direction, and gives them a clear outlook on life. It praises confidence and frowns on laziness. From this class the student will take away the skills needed to keep their body healthy and trim. It also will build social development with others while enlightening them. There is no better way to learn than learning through exposure. The student needs to be taught that a healthy body is equally important to a healthy mind. Education comes in many forms. Home economics at one point in time was quit popular in our school systems. Over the years the budget for this course has dissipated. But there is still great importance for this class, for both boys and girls. It is not out of the ordinary for students in today’s generation to graduate high school, attend college and not know how to function and live as young adults. This course is crucial for instilling the survival skills to transition from living at home with parents, to living on one’s own. All of the basic household duties should be taught along the lines of learning how to do laundry, sew, and prepare meals. Also how to clean properly and how to manage a household domestically and financially. These skills will be used in everyday life, and are important to be educated on. Education also means sophistication. Teachers play a huge role in sharing their knowledge through textbooks, and communication. They are truly the key in getting a student interested and excited about learning something new. If the student connects with the instructor it makes it easier to retain the information . We need educators who love their job, and who are happy to pass along valuable teachings. Even when a student gets discouraged, a good educator, who cares, goes beyond there call of duty to make sure the student is understanding the information. Even though they teach the basics courses which include English, Math, Science, and History, education should also give the student options. Being educated means you are well-rounded in different areas. It would be of great value if the student could study more than just the requirements. If they could pick out subjects that interest them, it’s more likely that they will absorb the information, and be excepting of the learning process. Since one-third of a child’s life is spent in a classroom its inevitable that the educator have a great deal of influence on how the student perceives learning. For the instructor it’s crucial that they find fun ways to motivate the student, while getting their point across. Being creative puts the student a greater advantage because, it stimulates the mind and makes them more willing to retain the facts. Smaller classrooms ensure that the student recieve more one on one attention. It takes a special person to be an educator, and provide enlightenment so the student can have a fair chance at success. Ultimately it is the individual who will decide what their future holds. Whether they choose to be a stay at home parent, have an office job, or work outdoors, their education is centered around what was learned in the classroom, and should roll over into their adult lives. Having an education is of great value, and it is that education that strengthens them as a person. It requires dedication, and motivation to build on the person you are, and the person that you will become. Every situation and ordeal that a person encounters builds on their character, and their mind growth. Education is knowledge learned from others. There are many people that contribute to the learning process. Of course the obvious is someone’s family, friends, or teacher , but really anyone who enlightens you into understanding something is educating you. The greatest phenomenon associated with education is that there is always something new to learn. An ideal education incorporates many individuals who share valuable information that can be used in everyday life, while generating options and opportunity for success.

Importance of Expenditure on Education for Economic Growth

Importance of Expenditure on Education for Economic Growth REVIEW OF LITERATURE THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL PERSPECTIVE Introduction Education is recognized as a critical input for the holistic development of the economy. Further, the elementary education plays a very leading role in acquiring larger positive externalities to the society. The provision of elementary education is one of the central responsibilities of the government. Many economic theories also suggest substantial role for the government in providing of basic education. All states in India have undertaken the responsibility of providing elementary education to their citizens. Voluminous government expenditure was increased on education across the states, but there is no significant achievement among the states in terms of educational outcomes. This chapter makes an attempt to review the available literature to understand the theoretical linkages of development and problems involved. The review of literature very helpful in understanding the research problems and explore the research gap and identify the ways that lead to solve the problem. A: Theoretical Models of Public Expenditure on Education Review of literature is divided into two parts. The first part represents the theoretical literature on financing of education, public good discussion, externalities involved with education and government intervention in the provision of education in the system. The role of education in economic development and important factors influencing on productivity and externalities involved also discussed here. The second part describes empirical studies on relationship between education and economic growth, inter-state variation in educational performance, efficiency of education system and factors influencing educational expenditure. Finance is commonly referred as providing funds for commercial activities. Public finance includes both public revenue and public expenditure, which plays an important role in influencing the other variables in an economy. Public expenditure is referred as the expenses incurred by the Government for the maintenance of the government responsibility and to stimulate the welfare of the society. Financing is an economic activity of the government to provide and manage necessary resources for satisfying the needs of the people. Education is not a pure public good, because in certain situations education might violate the principle characteristics of the public good such as non-rival and non-excludability. But education in general or elementary education in particular is considered as social good or collective good, which produces various positive externalities and social advantages to the society. Several economists have supported public expenditure on education for providing better educational opportunities in the society based on the argument that expenditure on education impacts economic development positively. During the ancient period most of the countries were following the laissez faire policy, where market forces play dominant role in adjustment of the economy. The role of the state was limited. Even under laissez-faire policy, the Government was expected to perform certain functions. According to the father of economics, Adam Smith (1937)[1] who provided a broad platform to laissez faire policy, the government has three important functions. They are Protection of society from foreign invasion. Maintenance of law and order and justice in society. The correction and maintains of public works such as educational institutions for the instructions of the people. Smith greatly emphasized the role of public finance and emphasized the need for providing public services to the poor to live and maintain their human dignity. J.S. Mill (1848) is another well known classical economist supported Adam Smiths laissez faire policy in administration of the government. He purposefully divided the functions of the government in laissez faire into Ordinary and Optional functions. The ordinary functions are defence, maintenance of law and order and other functions essential for the maintenance of the system. On the other hand the Optional functions such as education, health, family welfare and others have positive impact on economic growth the long run. In his argument he also encourage government role in advancement of public expenditure because Individuals are unable to evaluate the utility of certain goods, Lack of foresight may prevent individuals from consuming the valuable goods. Monopoly power or high prices necessitate government intervention in the provision of primary education. For the first time Adolph Wagner[2] (1835–1917) has commented on increasing state activities and through his experiment he found a positive relationship between public expenditure and economic growth among the selected countries. He postulated that when economy moves towards higher economic development path, public expenditure of the state also increases. The increasing public expenditure contributes to economic growth in various ways. In contrary, Peacock and Wiseman[3] (1967) argued that the natural course of advancement and structural change in the economy, leads to constant and systematic expansion in the public expenditure. According to them public expenditure in the system will not continuously increase. It depends on the shocks and stimulus response in the society. The Voluntary Exchange Theory was developed by Knut Wicksell (1896), Eric Lindahl ( ), Howard Bowen (1948)[4] and Musgrave (1939)[5]. It suggests that the resources in public sector should also allocate in the same manner as in such a manner to their allocation in the market with its price system. Through this theory they argued for tax collection and public spending for improving the welfare of the people. Dalton[6] postulated the public expenditure theory (1967) and according to him maximum satisfaction can be yield by striking a balance between public revenue and public expenditure by the government. According to him economic welfare is achieved when Marginal Social Sacrifices (MSS) due to imposition of taxes is equal to Marginal Social Benefit (MSB) due to government spending. Prof. Pigou argued that net social benefit (NSB) is maximized in the equilibrium condition of MSS = MSB. Public Expenditure and Decentralization Since the SSA adopted decentralized model in government spending on education, theories relating to the public expenditure, decentralization and governance are reviewed. Fiscal decentralization theorem (Oates, 1972) states that sub central governments have a comparative advantage in providing public services due to heterogeneity preferences of the people residing in different jurisdiction. He strongly argued for the decentralization in the administration and performing the functions. According to him decentralization will bring good governance at the local level and satisfy more human wants through effective public expenditure. Public expenditure and Distribution Dreze and Sen (1989) propounded public support led strategies. According to them the holistic development of the system is possible only where each and every individual has a good standard of living. For better standard of living and for tracing number of activities, they strongly argued for the educational attainment. Apart from its intrinsic importance, education serves certain instrumental roles in ensuring the freedom of a person, which not only guarantees personal gains but also possesses social ramifications including empowering the disadvantaged and reducing inequality. Certain public service such as education, health, sanitation, family welfare, rural development and others are required particularly for the development of marginalized sections. In this regard, the government investment on social sector is essential for receiving the double benefit to the economy. Samuelsons Theory of Public good The first place in defining the concept of public good belongs to Paul A. Samuelson (1955)[7]. Samuelson consider as the establisher of theory of public good. He made distinguish between public good and private good. The public good as the good, which brings benefits for members of the society as a whole and the consumption of the Public good doesnt proclaim the consumption of the other person. In Indian context provision of elementary education is a right of children between the age group of six to fourteen years, therefore elementary education consider as public good. In this regard Samuelsons argument in the provision of public good (elementary education) is justifiable. Non-rivalry and non-exclusion are two important characteristics of public good; education in general a good only obligatory education can meet the characteristics of public good. The elementary education is fulfilled the characteristics of public good and the consumption of this good does not reduce the consumptio n of other good. All these reasons emphasized the government role in public expenditure in the system. Milton Freidman (1995) published his book entitled The role of government; in that book he postulated the role of government intervention in the provision of education. He positively argued that the government intervention in public good based on strong following reasons; Capital market imperfection Incomplete infrastructure Possibility to create a monopoly Existence of positive externalities Friedman, M. (1955): The Role of Government. In: Solo, R.A, Economics and the public interest. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1955, 123-144. He propounded and accepted the approach of efficiency in the allocation of public goods. It shows fundamental difference between the allocation of public and private good based on micro economic principle. Prof. A.C. Pigou established the ability to pay theory for the determination of optimum level of public expenditure. He explained that the resources should be allocated among different uses and expenditure should be incurred in different uses in such a form that the marginal utility obtained from each different use is same. The government sector would grow with increasing level of National income. According to him if a community were literally a unitary being, with the government as its brain, expenditure should be pushed in all direction as increases of the National income. Further Prof. Pigou observed that simple marginal rule of optimization implied on increasing public sector with increasing wealth, the optimum amount of public goods is likely to raise. Justification for State Intervention in Education Some of the justifications for state intervention in education sector are as follows Education is recognized as a social good, but through the Right to Education Act (RtE) Elementary education is recognized as a public good, where it is the responsibility of government and parents to provide certain level of education. People could ignorant about the advantages/benefits/values of the education, so they have no concern in educating their pupils. The imperfect market and asymmetric information in developing and developed economies make poor people to still consider education expenditure as a consumption rather than investment expenditure. Market mechanism is mainly determined by the demand for and supply of the product. But in the case of education which is a social good, the marginal cost of additional education unit is zero and its consumption is indivisible in nature. These factor causes market failure in the market for investment in Education. Scholars like (Vaizy 1962; Blaug 1965; Levin 1987; Tomilnson1986; Musgrave 1959; Tilak 1999 and others) have strongly supported the state intervention in provision of elementary education. Contribution of Education to Economic Growth: Theoretical perspective The role of education in development has been recognized since the days of Plato. He argued that the education has high economic value; therefore a huge part of communitys wealth must be invested on education. Education helps the society by enabling them to participate actively in the development process. But, a major contribution to the discussion on relationship between education and economic growth was first made by Adam Smith (1776), followed by the subsequent contributions by the classical and neo-classical economists until Alfred Marshall. Marshall (1890) emphasized that, â€Å"The most valuable of all capital is that invested in human beings’. Further he also states that, Knowledge is our most powerful engine of production. It enables us to moderate nature and force her to satisfy our wants†. Education is one of the most important components in capacity building. It provides a base for making a person capable of acquiring skills and becoming self-sustainable. Kuznets’s study of American economy (Kuznets, 1955) shows the significant contribution of ‘residual factor’ to economic growth. A study on agriculture of 31 countries shows that four years of elementary education makes a farmer more productive than the farmer who has no education at all. I n another study of 88 countries for the period 1960-63 and 1970-73, it was found that an increase in literacy rates from 20 to 30 per cent contributed to increase in real GDP between eight to sixteen per cent. Personal earning and education have also been found correlated (UNDP, 1992). The significance of an adequately educated and technically trained manpower has been specifically recognized in economic literature since the middle of fifties when research studies in the economics of education and growth, pioneered by endogenous growth models propounded by Solow (1957), Schultz (1961) and Denison (1962). They highlighted the role of the ‘residual factor’, which mainly implied technology, learning, education and health. in contributing to economic growth (OECD, 1963). For many years, the proposition that educational expansion promotes and in some cases even determines the rate of growth of overall Gross National Product (GNP) remained unquestioned. Amazing statistics and numerous studies in the World has revealed that the growth of the nation was not due to the growth of physical capital but that of human capital that was the principal source of economic progress (Denison, 1962). In the classical school of economic doctrine, later economists considered education as an effective tool measure for population control (Malthus, 1966), achieving social justice (Ricardo, 1971) and civilized development of the society (Senior, 1939). Thus in eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth century, education considered as a means for bringing about improvement in purchasing power of labour force, economic welfare and social peace (Mill, 1909). In the Neo-Classical school of economic thought, education was considered as a strong source of human capital formation and an effective source to increase the income stream (Fisher, 1929). Tilak (1989) argued that Education not only ensures economic growth with equity but also has positive externalities associated with it, which make the public financing of education imperative. There are some arguments for the complementarity in public and private expenditure on the grounds of equity. The benefits that accrue to the individual in terms of higher earnings are a reason why the individual should pick up a part of the cost. If we look at the state as a supplier of education and the individual as a buyer of it, then investments by both appear to be complementary; and this may be the best model on grounds of equity. Hence, the right balance between public and private expenditures is crucial to the success of any educational policy or programme (Psacharapoulos and Woodhall 1985; Majumdar 1983). Conclusion The above discussion reveals the importance of expenditure on education for the growth of the economy and also noted the growing perception that the greater relevance to the developing countries. But in the current atmosphere of growing scrutiny of the nature of state expenditures, whether education is to be treated as a public or a private good, and whether expenditure on education is to be treated as consumption or investment need to be understood correctly. If it is seen as consumption good, that is, private in nature, then the market mechanism may be regarded as the most effective means of ensuring its adequate supply. On the other hand the state expenditure on education must be reduced to increase investment in other areas of greater importance. However, education not only offers private monetary as well as non-monetary benefits to its consumers but also has externalities associated with it, which confer benefits to society at large, even to those who have not had any education. Therefore the government should take major responsibility in providing education opportunities of its citizens. [1] Smith, Adam (1937): An enquiry in to the Nature and Causes of Wealth of Nations, (Edwin Cannan eds.), The Modem Library, New York, 1937, P. 423 [2] Wagner, Adolph (1958): Three Extracts on Public Finance in R. A Musgrave and Allen Peacock eds., Classics in the Theory ofpublic Finance, Mcmillan, New York, 1958, PP. 1-16. [3] Peacock, T. Alan and Jack Wiseman (1967): The Growth of Public Expenditure in the Untied Kingdom, Allen and Urwin, London, (llnd Edition) 1967. [4] Bowen, R. Howard (1948): Toward Social Economy, New York, Rinehart (1948) [5] Musgrave, R.A (1938): The Voluntary Exchange Theory of Public Economy. The Quarterly Journal of EconomicsFebruary (1938)53(2):213-237. [6] Dalton, Hugh (1967): Principles of Public Finance, Augustus M. Kelley Publishers, New York, 1967, PP. 5-7 [7] Samuelson, A. Paul (1954): The Pure Theory of Public Expenditure. Review of Economics and Statistics, November 1954, pp. 387-389.

The Meaning Of National Security Politics Essay

The Meaning Of National Security Politics Essay The development of the concept of security in the global scenario is being influenced by the changes in environment. This could be clearly seen in the changes of the nature of security during the world war and the post cold war era. In post cold war era, the emergence of new civil conflicts, large-scale atrocities and even genocide are in incremental rate. As globalization takes shape in the post cold war era, it is strongly believe that it will drag along significant increment in violent crimes, drug trades, transnational terrorism, diseases, environmental degradation and many other aspects of human life. These contemporary security concerns couples with the enduring problems of ethnic violence and inter-state conflicts are now at the forefront of potential and existing threats. 3.2 CONCEPTUAL MEANING OF SECURITY Security according to Barry Buzan is an under-developed concept (Hawkesworth and Kogan, Vol.2  [46]  ). Its status as a controversial political value and its habitual misuse as a rationale for state policies and actions, imply that the concept lacks of the intrinsic meaning. Buzan (1991) explains that one of the reasons behind the slow conceptual development of security can be attributed to the fact that the concept defies simple definition  [47]  . Another is that power dominates security in the realist school, which has been preeminent in international relations theory. Security has always been interpreted as the natural consequence of effective accumulation and exertion of power. Security is intrinsically a relational concept. In an objective sense, it measures the absence of threats to acquired values. In a subjective sense, security measures the absence of fear that such values will be attacked  [48]  . Lexical definitions of being secure refer to being safe against attack, impregnable, reliable à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, on the contrary, and to being untroubled by danger or apprehension on the other  [49]  . This definition points to the relational (subjective) nature of the concept of security. One should note that the objective physical condition favorable to ones secure existence has meaning only when set against the capabilities and intentions of possible adversaries. This also suggests that there can be no absolute definition of security. 3.3 THE MEANING OF NATIONAL SECURITY The broadening of the scope of security in the context of the nation-state is a controversial issue. As mentioned, there are scholars who were against the move to broaden the scope and meaning of national security for fear of destroying the analytical utility of the concept. Richard Ullman who initially supported the call to widen the scope of security eventually contradicted his initial proposition and is now engaged in a discourse with the proponents of a broader scope of security. According to Ullman (1995), If national security encompasses all serious and urgent threats to a nation state and its citizens, we will eventually find ourselves using a different term when we wish to make clear that our subject is the threats that might be posed by the military force of other states  [50]  . In the same article, he said that the war problem in security is conceptually distinct from other concerns like environmental degradation or urban violence, which are better categorized as threats to well-being. The problem of defining national security springs from the fact that the meaning of security itself is ambiguous. More importantly, if one uses the state as the referent, as the term national security suggests, he will then encounter the problem of who defines national interests or set the national security agenda of the state. Some scholars define security or national security as the protection and enhancement of values that the authoritative decision makers deem vital for the survival and well-being of the community  [51]  . However, this definition of security carries with it the problems that were discussed in the previous section. Although it is true that the regime aggregates the interests of the people, to define security or national security along this line or def ine security from perspective of the regime is unwarranted. If one agrees that the regime is both a source of threats and a producer of insecurity, then the concept must not be defined only from this perspective. The values that the authoritative decision makers seek to protect and enhance, which are deemed necessary for the well-being of the community, often do not constitute the national security or interests of the state. Hence, they are better labeled as the national security agenda. National security is a condition open to the assessment and evaluation of both the regime and the people. Whether or not the national security agenda represents the states national interests is another case in point. The definition of national security interest is relative to the one defining it. On the other hand, the national security agenda can be defined objectively and easily inferred from the national security policies of the government. National Security is better defined as the condition wherein the peoples way of life and institutions, their territorial integrity and sovereignty including their well-being are protected and enhanced  [52]  . This definition captures the essence of the state as composed of the people and the regime. It talks about two concerns, that of the peoples interest (well being) and that of the regime (sovereignty). 3.4 PILLARS OF NATIONAL SECURITY National Security rests on several pillars: social cohesion and solidarity, economic prosperity and stability, political unity and stability. Genuine security cannot be achieved if any of these pillars are absent  [53]  . The degree of security, which a country enjoys, depends ultimately on the strength of the pillars of national security. A country cannot be secure when one of its national security pillars is tenuous. These three pillars of security are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. Therefore, they must be built simultaneously. The responsibility of building these pillars rest on the people and the government/regime. The government leads the people while the people provide support to the government. By analogy, the government serves as the equipment or machinery for building the pillars while the people serve as the laborers, who use the equipment in building the foundations of national security. Social Cohesion and Stability Peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the people, regardless of social and cultural differences, is a foundation of national security  [54]  . This is achieved when people observe mutual respect for their values and beliefs. People must also offer cooperation and mutual support. Social cohesion allows consensus building necessary for effective decision-making. With social cohesion, the choices, decisions, and the consequent actions that government undertakes based on the concerns of the people become effective and persist despite challenges from the outside. Social cohesion embraces concepts such as moral spiritual consensus and cultural cohesiveness. Economic Prosperity and Stability Economic prosperity enhances the well being of the people. Without economic prosperity, the aspirations of the people to live a decent life cannot be attained. It is only when the country enjoys economic prosperity that people can live with dignity. It is a key element in augmenting national power, prestige, and influence. The development and sustenance of diplomatic and military power heavily depends on this. Economic prosperity embraces concepts such as ecological balance and sustainable development  [55]  . Political Unity and Stability Political unity means that there is cooperation among the different branches of government. It exists when those who exercise legitimate authority and political power act in concert toward the attainment common goals. When the political leadership is divided, the people are caught in a quandary as to which among those who exercise legitimate authority and political power should they support  [56]  . This puts the people in a dilemma where they have reservations and doubts on the policies and actions that the government undertakes. Public support is therefore essential to the governments success in meeting security challenges. The social, economic, and political aspects are permanent elements of national security foundations. The customs, traditions, laws, policies shall determine their respective status and quality, and strategies adopted by the government. The three pillars shall be created and shall operate within the context of the prevailing politico-legal organizing ideology of the state. It should be noted that no single pillar could guarantee security on its own. 3.5 THE DNYAMICS OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF NATIONAL SECURITY The pillars of national security are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. Social cohesion affects economic prosperity and stability. Social divisions and strife (e.g., sectoral or ethno-linguistic conflicts) could retard the nations economic development activities. For instance, policy disagreements between the government and the private sector could eventually affect the welfare of the people and the nations income. Economic prosperity or the level of development of the nations economy and the peoples sense of security has a positive correlation. Citizens of developed countries certainly feel more secure than those of underdeveloped countries. Economic development and prosperity are perhaps the ultimate objective a nation seeks to achieve. Economic development affects social cohesion  [57]  . When there is only a small pie available to be divided for the people, equal distribution will create a situation where each of the recipients get a small piece not sufficient for his nee ds. However, unequal distribution will leave others with little or no piece at all. Both situations leave the people dissatisfied. From Indonesias experience, economic instability can undermine the legitimacy of the regime. Barely ten months after the July 2, 1997 financial crisis hit Thailand, the regime of President Suharto was toppled. Although Indonesia is a relatively rich country in terms of natural resources and has achieved a relatively high economic growth prior the financial crisis, economic instability made the Suharto regime unpopular, which led to its demise  [58]  . Economic growth, once attained, does not automatically translate and ensure security. When the fruits of economic growth are not equitably distributed within domestic society, the threat of social unrest remains. Inequity or the rising inequality in the distribution of economic gains creates social divisions that could lead to violence and social anarchy. Political unity refers to a united leadership. Unity among the political leaders from the different branches of government facilitates fast and effective implementation of policies and programs, which are requisites of a secure nation. It allows government to take firm and decisive steps in addressing the different challenges that the nation faces. It also facilitates the quick delivery of services needed by the people. Each of the pillars of national security has to be stable and solid. Social cohesion, economic prosperity, and political unity if not stable and solid will not lead to genuine security. Thus, once these pillars have been built, they have to be maintained, protected, and enhanced. These are the basic responsibilities of a state. 3.6 BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS OF NATIONAL SECURITY The different pillars of national security are not intrinsic to every nation. They have to be built. The responsibility of building the foundations of national security ultimately rests on the people as its ultimate beneficiary, and the duly constituted government, which shall exercise authority delegated to it by the people  [59]  . The regime shall lead the people towards the attainment of national security by formulating appropriate policies and strategies, and laws conducive to the enhancement and protection of national security interests. The people on the other hand, shall support the government in its security engagements. The government, through the different agencies and instrumentalities, has the responsibility of formulating appropriate policies, as well as strategies, which will pave way to the realization of the aspirations of the people. 3.7 DIPLOMACY AND MILITARY Security is a condition or state of affairs, which can be created or attained using the different political instruments such as diplomacy and military. In the literature, three conventional instruments of national power have been identified: economic, politico-diplomatic, and military instruments  [60]  . The economic instrument refers to the use of economic rewards and/or penalties to influence the policies of government leaders or states. This is done through Aid, Trade Preference Status, Trade Embargo, etc. The diplomatic instrument consists of the activities of a countrys diplomats to convince another party or state to comply with the desired policy preferences of the former. The military instrument refers to the outright use or employment of force to get states to comply with the desired policies. In this framework, the instruments of national power include only diplomacy and military. Economic strength is not included in the list. The economic aspect or the level of economic development is identified as a foundation and not as an instrument for the pursuit of national security interests and objectives. The reason being is that economic strength, as an instrument, finds expression in diplomacy (economic punishment or rewards) and a sophisticated military. Japan and the US are both economically prosperous countries, yet their abilities to influence the policies of other states differ. Diplomacy is commonly understood as belonging only to the realm of foreign relations. This is understandable since, in most cases, diplomacy finds its utility in the conduct of international relations. Under this framework, diplomacy is broadly defined as a means to shape the security environment by influencing policies and/or behavior of political actors, state and non-state actors alike, through an act of persuasion  [61]  . This definition extends to actors in the domestic arena and is not limited to international relations. This broader definition of diplomacy does not mean that all acts of persuasion are diplomatic acts. Diplomacy applies only to political entities or groups  [62]  . Interstate diplomacy and intrastate diplomacy have the same purpose and utility. The only difference between the two is that in the interstate diplomacy parties involve has mutual acknowledgement of their sovereignties while the opposite is true in the intrastate diplomacy. Example is the peace engagement the Philippine government had with the MNLF and the current peace engagement of the government with the MILF. Diplomacy in international relations is an act of one sovereign nation to influence the behaviors or policies of another sovereign nation by means of persuasion. Diplomacy is defined as such a process because one state (object of persuasion) is not subject to the laws the other (persuading state)  [63]  . Thus, the former cannot be compelled to behave according to the latters desire. In most cases, persuasion is a function of economic punishment or reward. Thus, effective diplomacy must be back up by economic rewards or economic punishment. This is one reason why the economic aspect is treated as foundation and not as instrument. Military instrument, like diplomacy is a function of economic development. Governments capability to acquire sophisticated military arsenal and build a strong and capable armed force depends on the countrys economic status. The modernization of the nations armed force requires the backing of its economic and technological forces, and the modernization level of national defense can only be improved gradually along with the enhancement of the countrys economic strength. Further, a capable armed force complements diplomacy. Often, when one carries a big stick, there is little room for discussion. The effectiveness of military and diplomatic instruments depends heavily on the states economic status. The question of when, how, and against whom these instruments will be used is a matter of choice of the people, as articulated by the government. Political unity and social cohesion, therefore, affects the manner, timing, and the object of the political instruments. The strength and effectiveness of the instruments depends on the strength and stability of the foundations of national security. 3.8 NATIONAL SECURITY INSTRUMENTS AND NATIONAL SECURITY FOUNDATION The elements of national power include social, politico-diplomatic, economic, and military aspects. Accordingly, national unity (consisting of social cohesion and political unity and solidarity), economic solidarity and strength, diplomatic and military strength and capability of the state are all identified in the literature as instruments, which the state may use in pursuing its national security objectives or interests  [64]  . Thus it is deems necessary to separate social cohesion, political unity, solidarity, and economic strength from the list of instruments. Although all of these are instrumental in the states successes or failures in pursuing national interests, it is important that they be distinguished, based on the functions they support. One reason is that the social, political, and economic aspects of security are often developed over a long period. Little can be done, at least in the short run, when the states reserves of raw materials, socio-political structure, and other initiatives require the formulation of a range of policy instruments that are not normally available. This distinction between the foundations and instruments of national security is perhaps best explained by the words of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad when he defined security as follows, Security is not just a matter of military capability. National security is inseparable from political stability, economic success, and social harmony. Without these all the guns in the world cannot prevent a country from being overcome by its enemies, whose ambitions can sometimes be fulfilled without firing a single shot  [65]  . Political, economy and social stabilities are thus, contributors and essentials to achieve security. 3.9 SUMMARY In summary, in the literature, the people and the state are the only identified two distinct referents of security. This divide between the people and state is unwarranted. As it is, the people are an essential element of the state and that there are two organic/living components of the state: government and the people. The regime exercises authority over the people according to the political-legal ideology adopted by the state. However, there is an analytical utility in distinguishing the regime from the state. The usual equation of the regime with the state makes analysis difficult and the conclusions based on this analysis are often contestable. Sometimes, identified threats to state security are actually threats not to the state but only to the regime. Similarly, the interest of the regime is not equivalent to the interest of the state and the latters interests may in fact serve as threats to the security of the people. National interests composed of the peoples and the regimes interests shall be the responsibility of the state (people and government)  [66]  . In the realm of international relations, the state shall be the key actor (state is represented by the government). Although he acknowledges the existence of non-state groupings (i.e., multi-national companies and non-government organizations), he believes that the government remains the final arbiter on the demands of these groupings. The interests of these groups shall be included in the aggregation process and shall be included in the security agenda of the state.