Task – ‘Open-source’ task. Theory – 10 point task – a ‘Open-source’ task. Find/identify main postulates of given great thinker/scholar [from Martin Griffiths

ulrich beck
Main postulates of Ulrich Beck:

1. 
   The concept of "risk society": Beck argues that modern societies are increasingly characterized by the production and management of risks and uncertainties, rather than by the elimination of these risks through technical and scientific progress.
   
2. 
   The decline of traditional forms of politics: Beck argues that conventional political institutions, such as parties and unions, are in decline and are being replaced by new forms of politics based on risk and uncertainty.
   
3. 
   The rise of "subpolitics": Beck contends that in the risk society, new forms of political engagement emerge that are focused on particular risks and are often outside the traditional political system.
   

Illustrations of events / cases in IR:

1. 
   Climate change: Beck argues that the issue of climate change is an example of a risk that is produced by modern societies, and that it requires new forms of politics that are beyond traditional political systems.
   
2. 
   The European Union: Beck argues that the European Union represents a new form of politics that is based on the management of risks and uncertainties, rather than on the traditional forms of nation-state sovereignty.
   
3. 
   The financial crisis of 2008: Beck contends that the financial crisis of 2008 was a result of the failure of conventional political institutions to manage the risks associated with financial markets, and that it represents a turning point in the decline of traditional politics and the rise of subpolitics.
   

manuel castells
Main postulates of Manuel Castells:

1. 
   The Network Society: Castells argues that the world is in the midst of a transition to a new social structure characterized by a networked society.
   
2. 
   The Space of Flows: Castells argues that the new social structure is defined by the flow of information, goods, capital, and people, rather than by geographical locations or territorial boundaries.
   
3. 
   The End of Work: Castells argues that the rise of the network society has led to the end of work as we know it, and the creation of a new kind of economy based on informational goods and services.
   

Relevant illustrations of events/cases in IR:

1. 
   The rise of the Internet and the emergence of the digital economy: The growth of the Internet and the increasing importance of information technology have been central to the development of the network society and the space of flows, as described by Castells.
   
2. 
   The Global Financial Crisis of 2008: The global financial crisis of 2008 was a manifestation of the end of work as described by Castells, as traditional forms of work and employment were disrupted by technological changes and economic restructuring.
   
3. 
   The Arab Spring: The Arab Spring was an example of the power of the network society and the space of flows in shaping political change. Castells argues that the spread of the Internet and social media helped to mobilize people and coordinate protests, ultimately leading to regime change in several countries in the Middle East and North Africa.