Wedel RQ
2. Detail the reorganizing forces that have enabled 'flex-nets' to thrive. Which of these do you think has the most power?
The 1st force was the neoliberal reorganization of the government. This occurred in countries that were under pressure from international financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. Policies by the government promoted outsourcing, privatization, deregulation, and free-trade. As this force was being instilled, the communist governments of Eastern Europe collapsed. The end of the Cold War became the 2nd driving force. The system of bipolar authority disappeared,causing many boundaries to become less distinct, more permeable, and harder to regulate. Without rules and referees, profitability became easy for corporations, consultants, activists, and NGOs, as well as organized crime and terrorists. The 3rd restructuring force was spurred by the innovation of increasingly complex information technologies. These technologies favor flat networks over hierarchies, and flexible maneuvering over bureaucratic process. Technologies also allow us to respond quickly to unpredictable events.
I feel as though the 3rd restructuring force illustrates more benefits however, I think the neoliberal reorganization of the government possessed the most power. It created changes that have never been seen in the World and some of these policies still carry on in our current era.
3. What is the modus operandi of the neocon core? Could any of these elements create conditions for fear and anxiety?
The Neocon core has attempted to influence policy while undermining democratic processes. This has been done through creating and empowering alternative structures, both within and outside government, to realize its policy aims. "The core set out to meld relevant government units and processes to its purposes and also exerted influence through quasi-government entities and might-be-official, might-not-be-official dealings" (Wedel 282).
I believe that any of the elements can create conditions for fear and anxiety. The neoconservatives are political figures with power and most of them dictate what is portrayed in the media, which for the most part determines what society fears. They can make the public support their policies by showing what they want people to see and hiding what they don't.