20/80 Theory

1. 20/80 Theory • 20% of world’s pop. consumes 80% of it’s resources (1st world nations such as the U.S.) • 80% of the world’s pop. consumes 20% of its resources (3rd world nations such as those found in the Middle East and Africa)

2. 20/80 Theory • This is obviously a very unfair resource distribution pattern • and sucks very bad for those living in 3rd world conditions • Many of these 3rd world people see how well we live here in the U.S. and naturally resent our way of life • Terrorism is their response to this inequitable resource distribution and an attempt to equalize the playing field

3. In-class activity(20pts.) • I would like you to partner up with someone and brainstorm ideas for how we may solve the problem of terrorism. a.) Global redistribution of resources evenly b.) Lower the gap between the rich & the poor c.) Increase defense spending to fight terrorism d.) Improve the U.S.’s global image e.) some combination of ‘B – D’ • Explain your reasoning. Organize your ideas in a well-written essay following my assessment guidelines

4. a.) Global redistribution of wealth • One sure fire way to get rid of terrorism is to remove the reason behind their hatred for us. • This involves removing the 20/80 resource distribution disparity (have’s vs. have-nots) • If we redistribute the wealth/resources evenly throughout the globe, their will be no hatred for the U.S. • The downside to this approach is that we would have to dismantle our way of life and go back to tribal living

5. b.) Lower gap between rich & poor • Since most do not want to dismantle our way of life, some have called for us to share more of our wealth/resources with the less fortunate • In many respects, we are currently engaging in this process but at far too slow of a pace to realistically make a difference in world poverty • As a result, this approach hasn’t done much to end U.S. hatred • We would need to step this up big time

6. c.) Increase defense spending • Others believe that no matter what we do, there will always be hatred for the U.S. • Therefore, we should always be prepared for another terrorist attack • The only way to do that is to commit maximum spending on our defense budget so that we can not only build up our defenses but be able to launch an offensive attack on not only a terrorist group but any government that helps them

7. d.) Improve our global image • One of the downsides to the defense buildup approach is that it has crippled our global image • Some believe that we need to work better to improve our global image by increasing aid to foreign countries, ending our engagement in foreign wars (such as Afghanistan), and limiting our military presence around the globe • If terrorists and their followers can see us in a more positive light, they may not want to harm us as much

8. Assessment(20pts.)