Modernization theory is a sociological theory stating that societies will inevitably change in positive, progressive ways over the course of their existence. The mainstream sociological model of modernization supposes that Western capitalist societies provide the model for modernization. However, some theories, such as Marxist modernization, do not use Western societies or capitalism as a goal. Modernization theory states that all societies progress over time from one stage to another. The ultimate goal of all societies will be to become a modern or post-modern society. The basic stages of modernization theory, as listed by American sociologist W. W. Rostow, are: Tradition, Take-off, Maturation and Mass production/consumption.

Nina's lesson involved reviewing the actions and accomplishments of female political leaders to demonstrate that gender roles do not adversely impact a woman's ability to lead. The list included such notables as: Queen Elizabeth I, Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Golda Meir, Benazir Bhutto, and Angela Merkel. Those leaders unaddressed in class are to be completed for homework.

Nina answered questions about the war of succession known as The Anarchy and she cleverly compared it to 'The Game of Thrones,' the medieval fantasy epic. She intends to share her views about the manner in which The Anarchy was resolved and research other examples of wars of succession in history for homework.

Sovereignty is a status conferred on a state that means it is an independent actor in the world, has complete control over its internal affairs and answers to no one else. In reality, complete and absolute sovereignty is a fiction for most, if not all states, as outside pressure from a stronger state, a group of states or international organizations can apply pressure on a sovereign state to alter its internal affairs to conform to international standards of conduct. A failed state is a state that is unable to maintain its sovereignty by projecting authority over its population and protecting its own territorial integrity.

Sovereignty is the concept of a government that can control itself and its people, is not subordinated to another government, and is recognized as having these features. Sovereignty requires that a government be independent, i.e., free from control by other governments, but it must have the further power to control itself. There are several different kinds of sovereignty. Titular sovereignty refers to having the name of the highest office without the actual power and authority to make governing decisions. Internal sovereignty refers to the authority to make the laws and to carry on administrative tasks in a way that the population recognizes. External sovereignty refers to foreign powers recognizing a government's claim to independence and therefore self-government. Legal sovereignty refers to the recognized authority to control the laws; political sovereignty refers to the often vaguely-defined right to influence lawmakers and government officials. De jure sovereignty refers to the rightful claim to having the authority to rule, i.e., to possess recognized legitimacy for governing. De facto sovereignty refers to whatever power in fact makes the highest decisions, such as trading and controlling markets. Finally, popular sovereignty refers to those government arrangements in which the people are the highest authority in a territory.

Our book, "Fire & Blood" is based on an earlier period in history called "The Anarchy." It is a real life accounting of an important event in Medieval, political history. The Anarchy took place centuries before the War of the Roses. And, despite the name, this conflict had nothing to do with the modern concept of anarchy. After reviewing the events of the real life "Anarchy", we drew comparisons between it and the events in the book we're reading. There are very important lessons to learn from this event that are relevant and applicable to the modern era.

There have been times in history where wars break out due to errors and timing. Messages may be sent and received too late - or they've been misunderstood. The Battle of Marathon in ancient Greece is one example. This also happened throughout the
American Revolution (the Boston Tea Party, the Battle at Trenton). In WWI, Japan was supposed to send a warning to the U.S. Gov't re: the attack on Pearl Harbor, but it arrived in DC too late - after the attack. There were also communication mix-ups during the U.S. War in Afghanistan. Communication errors between governments have contributed to some of the greatest conflict errors in history, leading to the outbreak of war between opponents. We took a closer look at these errors - as some of them changed the course of history.

We reviewed HW and discussed the events in Fire & Blood to date. Nina was introduced to the difference between an intrastate and an interstate Civil War. The former applies to warring factions within a country or state and the latter applies to when a state receives assistance in war from a foreign entity.

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