News Story 1
Ukraine War: Three Dead as Russia Launches New Attack on Cities
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Donbass region is highlighted in the BBC News article “Ukraine War: Three Dead as Russia Launches New Attack on Cities.” The recent events of February 2021, when Russia launched a new attack on Ukrainian cities, are covered in this article (Kartomo et al., 2022). Three people were killed, and five others were injured. In two ways, this article is pertinent to the field of anthropology. First, it is a news report about a current event, making it an illustration of applied anthropology. Second, it concerns a conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has its roots in cultural differences, making it an illustration of cultural anthropology.
The most recent assault by Russian forces on Ukrainian cities is described at the outset of this article. As a result of this assault, three civilians were killed and five others were injured. The topic of conversation then switches to focus on the bigger conflict between Russia and Ukraine that is taking place in the Donbass. This conflict began in 2014 when Russia began its occupation of Crimea and began providing support to separatists in the Donbass region. Since then, over 13,000 people have lost their lives due to the fighting, and 1.5 million others have been forced to flee their homes. In addition, the United Nations has referred to it as a war on multiple occasions.
The political implications of the incident are then discussed in the following section of the article. It is mentioned that the United States of America and other countries have condemned the strike as an attempt by Russia to destabilize Ukraine further. In addition, it discusses the actions the Ukrainian government took in response to the offensive, one of which was to send additional troops into the zone of conflict. The article emphasizes the importance of a political solution to the conflict and asks for the execution of the Minsk agreements, which have been recognized by all parties involved. This is the last point, but it is certainly not the least.
The article in the news is relevant to the study of anthropology in two different ways. First and foremost, it serves as an example of applied anthropology, which refers to the process of applying anthropological knowledge and methods to the resolution of contemporary problems. In this specific instance, the article covers a dispute between Russia and Ukraine that can be traced back to cultural differences; this is a problem that anthropologists may assist in comprehending and addressing (Kartomo et al., 2022). The second purpose of the piece is to serve as an example of cultural anthropology, which is the study of how the behavioral patterns of individuals are influenced by the varied cultural norms that exist in different civilizations. In this particular instance, the essay focuses on how the cultural gap that exists between Russia and Ukraine has contributed to the violence that is taking place in the Donbass region.
Last but not least, the article “Ukrainian War: Three Dead as Russia Starts Fresh Assault on Towns” is relevant to the study of anthropology in two distinct ways. First and foremost, it serves as an example of applied anthropology, which refers to the process of applying anthropological knowledge and methods to the resolution of contemporary problems. Second, it serves as an example of cultural anthropology, which is the study of how varied cultural norms influence the behavioral patterns of people in different civilizations. So, the purpose of this essay is to serve as a necessary reminder of how important it is to understand cultural differences to avoid and resolve problems in the modern world.
News Story 2
Ukraine is Betting on Drones to Strike Deep into Russia
The Economist article “Ukraine is Counting on Drones to Strike Deep into Russia” covers Ukraine’s recent efforts to launch attacks in Russia using drones. In two respects, this article is significant to the discipline of Anthropology. For instance, it is a news piece about a current event; hence it is an example of Applied Anthropology. Second, it is about a conflict that stems from cultural differences between Ukraine and Russia, making it an example of Cultural Anthropology.
The article describes Ukraine’s recent plans to launch drone attacks on Russia. It focuses, in particular, on the employment of the “drone strike” system created by the Ukrainian military (Dalsjo et al., 2022). This system is intended to allow Ukrainian forces to conduct attacks from a wider distance and with greater precision. It has already been utilized to launch several attacks on Russian targets successfully.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the Donbass region is discussed in greater detail in the following section of the article. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in the Donbass region, which contributed to the outbreak of this conflict. Since then, warfare has resulted in the deaths of about 13,000 people and the displacement of 1.5 million more. In addition, the United Nations has recognized it as a state of war.
The political repercussions of Ukraine’s use of drones in connection with ongoing conflicts are investigated in the following section of the article. Even though they were successful, Russia has expressed concern that the attacks breached international law. In addition, the article emphasizes the need for a political solution to the conflict and argues for the execution of the Minsk agreements, which have already been agreed upon by the parties involved. Both of these points are brought up in the context of the essay.
The news report is significant to the field of Anthropology in two different ways. First, it is a prime example of applied anthropology, which refers to applying anthropological knowledge and research techniques to real-world scenarios. In this instance, the article discusses a disagreement between Ukraine and Russia that can be traced back to the latter two countries’ distinct cultural traditions; this is the type of situation in which anthropologists might lend a hand in better comprehending and resolving the conflict (Dalsjo et al., 2022). Second, the article illustrates Cultural Anthropology, which studies how other nations’ cultures differ and how those variations influence individuals’ behaviors. In this particular instance, the focus of the essay is on the cultural disparities that exist between Russia and Ukraine, as well as how these cultural differences have played a role in the fighting that is taking place in the Donbass region.
In conclusion, there are two ways in which the news article “Ukraine is Relying on Drones to Strike Far into Russia” is significant to the field of Anthropology. First, it is a prime example of applied anthropology, which refers to applying anthropological knowledge and research techniques to real-world scenarios. The second reason is that it is an example of cultural anthropology, which studies how other civilizations’ cultures differ and how those variations affect people’s behaviors. The purpose of this essay is to serve as a timely reminder of the significance of understanding cultural differences to avoid and resolve conflicts in the modern world.
News Story 3
The potentially deadly Candida auris fungus is spreading quickly in the U.S.
The recent spread of the Candida auris fungus in the United States is discussed in the article “The Potentially deadly Candida Auris Fungus spores is Spreading Rapidly in the U.S.,” published in NPR. There are two ways in which this article applies to the academic field of Anthropology (Ademe & Girma, 2020). To begin, it is a news article that discusses a recent occurrence, and as such, it is an illustration of applied anthropology. It is an example of Medical Anthropology because it is about a health concern rooted in the cultural distinctions across various societies. Because of this, it is a case study of Medical Anthropology.
The recent proliferation of the Candida auris fungus across the United States is the topic of the first section of this essay. This report highlights that this fungus is a particularly hazardous infection since it is resistant to various antifungal treatments and is associated with a mortality rate of up to sixty percent. The article continues to detail how the fungus is spread, pointing out that it can be transferred by contact with contaminated surfaces or by touching an infected person, both mentioned in the article.
The cultural elements contributing to the fungus’s spread are then discussed in further detail in the following section of the article. It notes that hospitals and nursing homes are the most prevalent places where the fungus may be found, which leads one to speculate that overcrowding and improper cleanliness may be significant factors in the disease’s progression. It also shows that cultural behaviors such as washing one’s hands and other hygiene precautions may not be sufficient in some situations, which may be another factor contributing to the spread of the fungus.
In addition, the field of Anthropology can benefit from reading this paper in two distinct ways. To begin, it is an illustration of applied anthropology, which refers to applying anthropological knowledge and techniques to solve problems that occur in the actual world. In this particular instance, the essay addresses a health concern that has its roots in the cultural distinctions between various nations; hence, this is a challenge that anthropologists can assist in comprehending and resolving (Ademe & Girma, 2020). Second, this piece is an example of Medical Anthropology, which studies health and illness’s cultural and social dimensions. This article is an excellent illustration of Medical Anthropology. In this particular instance, the article focuses on the cultural and socioeconomic aspects that may contribute to the spread of the Candida auris fungus, as well as how these variables might be addressed to lessen the likelihood that the fungus will continue to spread.
The news article “The Potentially Fatal Candida Auris Fungal is Spreading Rapidly in the United States” is significant to the academic field of Anthropology in two different ways, as the conclusion of this paragraph will explain. To begin, it is an illustration of applied anthropology, which refers to applying anthropological knowledge and techniques to solve problems that occur in the actual world (Ademe & Girma, 2020). Second, it is an example of Medical Anthropology, which is the study of the cultural and social dimensions of health and illness. Medical anthropology is the study of this phenomenon. The need to understand cultural and social aspects to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases is highlighted by the value of this article as a vital reminder of this importance.
News Story 4
A Big Question for the Fed: What Went Wrong with Bank Oversight?
The New York Times story “A Big Issue for the Fed: What Went Wrong with Bank Oversight?” addresses the Federal Reserve’s recent inability to oversee U.S. banks successfully. In two ways, this essay is pertinent to the field of anthropology. First, it is a news report about a current incident, making it an illustration of applied anthropology (Desmond, 2019). Second, it is an example of economic anthropology because it concerns an economic problem with origins in the cultural variances of various nations.
The first part of the article discusses the Federal Reserve’s recent inability to regulate U.S. banks adequately. It highlights that, despite having the authority to regulate banks since 1913, the Fed has been unable to do so successfully. It specifically highlights the growing concentration of American banks in the hands of a select few major banks, which has reduced competition and raised risk.
The next topic discussed in this article is a possible cultural reason why the Federal Reserve cannot exert control over U.S. banks. It sheds light on the “too big to fail” mentality pervasive in the banking industry, which has led to a scenario in which institutions are too large and linked to be allowed to fail. As a result of this, the industry as a whole is in a precarious position. It also argues that the Fed’s incapacity to supervise American banks effectively may be caused by the “revolving door” between the banking industry and the government, which allows bankers to become regulators. This door allows bankers to move freely between the two sectors.
Two other aspects of relevance to the study of anthropology are discussed in this article. First and foremost, it serves as an example of applied anthropology, which refers to the process of applying anthropological knowledge and methods to the resolution of contemporary problems. In this particular instance, the article provides a problem that anthropologists can assist in comprehending and resolving, specifically, a financial difficulty that originates in the cultural differences among distinct nations (Desmond, 2019). Second, the article serves as an example of economic anthropology, which is the study of the economic practices and institutions of different cultures. In this instance, the article focuses on the cultural and economic factors that could influence the Federal Reserve’s incapacity to oversee U.S. banks successfully. These factors include the following:
In conclusion, the article “A Big Issue for the Fed: What Went Wrong with Bank Oversight?” is relevant to the academic discipline of anthropology in two distinct ways. First and foremost, it serves as an example of applied anthropology, which refers to the process of applying anthropological knowledge and methods to the resolution of contemporary problems. Second, it provides an example of the field of economic anthropology, which is the study of the financial customs and structures that are used in various civilizations. The purpose of this essay is to serve as a vital reminder of how important it is to have a solid understanding of cultural and economic factors to avoid and deal with economic crises in the modern world.
News Story 5
A shrinking reservoir signals Ukraine and Russia are waging a dangerous water war.
This news article discusses the possibility of an environmental crisis in Ukraine due to the Dnipro River’s diminishing water reserve. The story claims that the dwindling reservoir results from Russia diverting water from the river to deliver water to Crimea, which Ukraine claims is unlawful. This article is relevant to anthropology because it emphasizes the possibility of a resource dispute between two nations and the ramifications for the environment, social stability, and political relations.
The article opens with an overview of the situation in Ukraine. It says that the Dnipro River reservoir, which feeds water to Kiev, Ukraine’s capital city, has been dwindling due to a lack of rainfall and water diverted by Russia (Kotoulas & Pusztai, 2022). According to the post, Russia is diverting water from the river to serve Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. This water diversion has been a point of contention between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine claiming that it is illegal and harmful to the ecology.
The article then goes on to outline the potential consequences of the reservoir shrinking. According to the report, the reduced water levels have already had a negative impact on the ecology, with the water becoming increasingly filthy due to the lack of fresh water. It also argues that a protracted water deficit will cause a humanitarian crisis in the region because people rely on the river for drinking water and irrigation. The article then analyzes the situation’s political ramifications (Kotoulas & Pusztai, 2022). It reveals that Ukraine attempted, but failed, to take legal action against Russia. It further claims that the water diversion is a sort of “environmental warfare,” with Russia exploiting the scarcity of water to exert pressure on Ukraine.
This article is interesting to anthropology since it focuses on the possibility of a resource dispute between two nations. This is relevant to political anthropology, a subfield that analyzes how power and resources are divided among different groups and how this impacts the social and political landscape. The article also discusses the potential environmental and humanitarian consequences of water scarcity, which is pertinent to the area of environmental anthropology, which studies the effects of human activity on the environment.
The article is noteworthy in anthropology because it depicts the possibility of conflict between two nations over resources and the consequences for the environment, social stability, and political relations. It also emphasizes the importance of nations cooperating to ensure that resources are managed properly and sustainably (Kotoulas & Pusztai, 2022). The piece serves as a reminder that environmental issues can have far-reaching consequences and that solutions that address environmental and political concerns must be developed.
Finally, this news report is significant to anthropology since it focuses on the possibility of a confrontation between two nations over resources. It is important in anthropology because it emphasizes the potential consequences of such a conflict and serves as a reminder that environmental issues can have far-reaching consequences. It is consequently critical to find solutions addressing environmental and political issues.
Critique on the Nature, Value, and Limitations of the Basic Methods of the Social Sciences
The basic methods of the social sciences are critical instruments for studying human behavior and the society in which it exists. These methods include observation, interviews, surveys, experimentation, and data analysis. Each of these methodologies has advantages and disadvantages, which must be understood to guarantee that research is conducted ethically and effectively.
The careful and systematic recording of behavior or occurrences in a specific environment is a core social science research method. This method is especially beneficial for researching how people interact with one another and their surroundings (Bulmer, 2021). It is crucial to highlight, however, that observation might be limited by the researcher’s personal biases and the possibility of observer effects, in which the researcher’s presence can influence the behavior being watched.
Interviews are an important and useful sort of research in social science. During an interview, the researcher asks questions to a participant or group of participants to gain deeper and more in-depth insights into the participants’ behaviors and opinions. This tactic can be useful for diving into more subjective topics, such as ideas and feelings, and it can also help one better understand the environment in which the action is occurring. However, interviews might be complicated by the personal prejudices of the researcher as well as the interviewee’s capacity to provide false or misleading information. This can make it difficult to get accurate results.
Surveys are yet another common method utilized in the field of social science research. In this method, the researcher will pose a predetermined series of questions to a sizable group of participants (Bulmer, 2021). This tactic works well for comprehensively understanding a particular topic and collecting quantitative data from which inferences can be derived. Nonetheless, there is a risk of bias in both the questions that are asked and the responses that are given, and there is also a possibility that the survey could be either incomplete or incorrect.
Experiments, which include shifting the values of certain variables in order to put a hypothesis to the test, are one of the most common types of study in the social sciences. This method is useful for determining the relationships between causes and effects and verifying hypotheses (Dash & Paul, 2021). The ability of the researcher to introduce bias into the experiment and the chance that external circumstances would impact the results are both factors that make studies susceptible to flaws and limitations.
The final approach for conducting research in the social sciences is to use analyses of already collected data. This involves the researcher looking at previously collected data sets to conclude a topic. This method can be useful when examining issues that are difficult to directly observe or measure, such as historical trends, because it allows for a more in-depth analysis of the data. However, this approach has several limitations, including the potential for insufficient or incorrect data and the likelihood that the researcher will bring their own bias into the analysis. In a nutshell, the fundamental research approaches used in the social sciences are indispensable tools for analyzing human behavior in the context of the society in which it is embedded. In order to ensure that research is carried out in a manner that is both ethical and successful, it is necessary to have a solid understanding of each of these approaches and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each one.
References
Kartomo, A., Legionosuko, T., & Risman, H. (2022). Analysis of The Russia-Ukraine War Based on Giulio Douhet’s Airpower Theory and as The Best Practice For Indonesia’s Air Force. Strategi Perang Semesta, 8(2), 111-120. https://jurnalprodi.idu.ac.id/index.php/SPS/article/view/1512
Dalsjö, R., Jonsson, M., & Norberg, J. (2022). A brutal examination: Russian military capability in light of the Ukraine War. Survival, 64(3), 7-28. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00396338.2022.2078044
Ademe, M., & Girma, F. (2020). Candida auris: From multidrug resistance to pan-resistant strains. Infection and drug resistance, 1287-1294.
Desmond, M. (2019). To understand the brutality of American capitalism, you have to start on the plantation. New York Times, 14.
Kotoulas, I. E., & Pusztai, W. (2022). Geo-Politics of The War In Ukraine. Foreign Affairs Institute.
Bulmer, M. I. (Ed.). (2021). Social science and social policy. Routledge.
Dash, G., & Paul, J. (2021). CB-SEM vs. PLS-SEM methods for research in social sciences and technology forecasting. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 173, 121092. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162521005254
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