Can military dictatorships ever be justified?

      Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. Besides, as every event reflects the country’s reality, history will judge its value eventually. But in my view, military dictatorships cannot be justified in general. Now let me explain the details.     

First, military dictatorships are oppressive and undemocratic by nature. For example, they try to deprive the citizens of basic human rights, such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly, during the “martial law.” They also selfishly persecute political opposition and dissent. In other words, it violates the UN Charter, so not justifiable in our world today.     

Next, I understand some may argue that some developing countries need strong leaders to boost economies. Certainly, it is natural for every country to seek economic growth, but military dictatorships tend to corrupt and misuse power, which can hinder the country’s progress eventually.           

In conclusion, we must see “protecting basic human rights” as an important principle that supports a sound democracy in present day. To maintain this, we should not easily condone nondemocratic regimes. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-F2]

Can violence ever be justified in support of a political cause?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. Besides, every event reflects the country’s reality, and history will judge its value eventually. But in my view, while violence itself is generally unjustifiable, everyone has the right to resist to protect democracy, which can be retroactively justified. Now let me explain the details.     

First, major constitutional theories argue that if a government becomes corrupt or oppressive and no longer represents the public interest, people can resist it. This resistance can be peaceful, such as through petitions and strikes. However, if the government persists in oppressing the people, as in the American Revolution, the people have the right to defend themselves with violence.     

Next, history has shown that some violence, such as the French Revolution, has established an authentic regime. This means that some revolutions successfully reflect the will of citizens. If the violence reflects the public interest, it can be retroactively justified.           

Therefore, violence in politics have pros and cons. And history of future will endorse the regime that have met the public interest. Thank you for your attention. [185 Words Type-B]

Can political activism make a difference in the modern world?  

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, political activism has the potential to influence the world. Now let me explain the details.     

First, it has encouraged social and political changes throughout modern history. For example, events such as “the Civil Rights Movement” and “the Arab Spring” have reformed the political situation. Plus, activists today can use various tactics such as peaceful protests, strikes, and social media campaigns on platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook. These methods make it easy to raise awareness and trigger change in our world today.     

Next, I understand some may associate terrorism with political activism. Certainly, some radical activism may develop into terrorism. However, unless many people support it, terrorism will not trigger for any political change. This is the difference between “the Civil Right Movement” and terrorism.           

Therefore, whether it is right or wrong, political activism can have an impact on the world. And I conclude that it is important to support and encourage it in order to achieve a better future. Thank you for your attention. [184 Words Type-Q]

Agree or disagree: India should now be considered a global superpower. 

Depending on how familiar we are with the topic, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, India is a global superpower. Now let me explain the details.     

First, India’s economy has become very powerful recently. For example, it has the fifth biggest GDP and the largest population in the world. In this way, India is now one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies, such as China. Plus, India’s average age is very young, which promises economic growth for a long time. Because this leads to strong demand for consumer electronics, automobiles, and housing.     

Next, India’s military power should not also be overlooked. For example, India has more soldiers than China now, and even núclear weapons. In addition, it also supplies weapons to friendly neighboring countries. While this is to counter China’s aggression, the growing fear of conflict has threatened other Asian countries.           

Therefore, given the situation I have just mentioned, I conclude that India is a global superpower, with economic and military strength that cannot be ignored. Thank you for your attention. [180 P]

Should democratic nations sever diplomatic relations with non-democratic nations? 

This is an interesting topic; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense. It’s important for any country to always seek an optimal policy, but in my view, breaking off diplomatic relations is almost always a bad idea. Now let me explain the details.     

First, breaking off with non-democratic countries is a dangerous approach. On this point, studies have shown that the world has only about 60 democracies. So, simply cutting off diplomatic relations would harm trade and threaten the economy. Given that China and Saudi Arabia are two of the most undemocratic countries, you can imagine the difficulty.     

Next, I understand some may argue that countries should act against serious political disruption, such as genocide or tribal conflicts. But even such situations would not necessarily justify cutting off diplomatic relations. In other words, all countries should follow the rélevant UN resolutions to avoid unnecessary conflicts.           

In conclusion, while non-democratic countries often cause international friction, we should be open to recognizing diverse political values, at least at first. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-N]

Should democracy be the goal for all nations? 

Depending on the state of democracy in countries and other national circumstances, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, democracy should be open to other political perspectives as well. Now let me explain the details.     

First, trying to impose democracy is a dangerous approach. On this point, studies have shown that the world has only about 60 democracies. So, imposing democracy will cause backlash and disrupt the international community in turn. Given that China and Saudi Arabia are two of the most undemocratic countries, you can imagine the difficulty.     

Next, in some smaller communities, non-democratic systems often work more effectively; for example, some ethnic groups in the Middle East and Africa follow a tribal system where tribal representatives make many political decisions, and even judícial judgments. Even though it seems undemocratic, it fits the historical background and sentiments of the people. Thus, it is okay among them.           

In conclusion, even though democracy is a desirable form of government in many countries, we should coexist with diverse political values. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-N]

Is democracy the best system in the contemporary world? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, democracy is the best system in the world so far. Now let me explain the details.     

First, democracy is the best way to protect basic human rights. For example, it upholds the freedom of expression and speech, which are necessary for a healthy and vibrant society. It is because we need diverse ideological, religious, and political perspectives, including sometimes conténtious ones, to establish the most effective policy in our world today.     

Next, democracy promotes economic growth, because it inspires innovative companies to actively compete. That’s why many prosperous countries across the world have embraced democracy. On this point, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed “promoting economic growth in all countries,” as one of their key challenges, and democratic governance is an effective way to achieving this goal.           

Therefore, even though it still has room for improvement, I am happy to conclude that democracy is and always will be the best political system in the world at this time. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-C]

Should domestic issues take priority over international ones?

This is an interesting topic; depending on the current problems and other national circumstances of the countries, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the political policy should be flexible, so you don’t have to make such a general rule. Now let me explain the details.     

First, domestic and international issues are often intertwined, and you cannot resolve without addressing the other. For example, climate change affects multiple countries, so need international collaboration to resolve it. Plus, each country has its own priorities when dealing with problems. This means that some countries may concentrate on resolving international concerns, while others may not.     

On the other hand, during a national emergency such as an epidemic or natural disaster, its internal affairs always come first before addressing international ones. It is because the country must concentrate its resources on settling domestic problems.           

What I have said has only outlined the issues: in fact, several other political and economic factors may have a complex impact. So, each country must carefully consider the situation to lay down the optimal policy. Thank you for your attention. [188 Words Type-I]

How to prepare for natural disasters?

Depending on what we are and where we live, the answers may well vary, and they are all worth considering, but in my view, we are already taking some key action preparing for natural disasters. Now let me explain the details.     

First, we can use satellite information to prepare for natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes. For example, weather satellites can even detect small changes on the land surface, to predict potential earthquakes. Analyzing this data with AI, we can also identify patterns that suggest the possibility of tsunamis and landslides.     

Next, the Internet is a universal way of spreading information, and the most effective method for sending alerts. So, countries are trying to use it to minimize damage from natural disasters. For example, since tsunamis can affect many countries at the same time, the Japanese government is teaming up with the US to create a digital alerting system for countries in Pacific region.           

In conclusion, if we work together on these points, we can prepare ourselves for natural disasters, and be equipped to deal with other unexpected events. Thank you for your attention. [186 Words Type-H]

Are developed nations doing enough to deal with the worldwide refugée crisis?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, the international community has made strides over the years in dealing with the refugee crisis. Now let me explain the details.     

First, developed countries have aided refugees financially in recent years. For example, the US, EU, and Japan have dónated billions of dollars to the UN. This fund provides refugees with important supplies, to survive and rebuild their lives. Plus, Japanese Self Defense Force is working hard to help refugees in PKO activities in, such as Africa and Ukraine.     

On this topic, I understand some may argue that Japan has accepted few refugees. While that was the case, Japanese government has been working hard to improve immigration management since announcing its support for Ukraine. In addition, the public show understanding of accepting refugees, so I am optimistic that Japan will take significant steps to resolve this issue.           

Therefore, even though there is still room for improvement, developed countries are making their best efforts to deal with the refugée crisis. Thank you for your attention. [183 Words Type-E]

Are Genetically Modified [or GM] foods benefícial?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, GM foods are almost always benefícial. Now let me explain the details.     

First, GM technology incréases crop yields. On this point, experts predict that the human population will hit 10 billion by 2050. Therefore, we will need to boost crop production by around 70 percent to feed everyone. That’s why we must try every technology available to ensure food security. Without this technology, we cannot achieve this ambitious goal.     

Next, I understand some may have concern that GM foods would have unknown harmful effects, but no study exists to support this fact. On the other hand, many studies have shown that GM foods are safe to consume. Given the expected global food shortage, we should adopt GM foods to meet this urgent demand, and eradicate world hunger in turn.           

Therefore, even though there are still some concern about GM foods, I am happy to conclude that they usually helps us, so we should pursue their potential. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-C]

Does Japan need to raise its level of food self-sufficiency?

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, Japan should raise its level of food self-sufficiency in the future. Now let me explain the details.     

First, Japan relies heavily on imported food now. This makes it vulnerable to food shortages caused, such as by natural disasters, and by international conflicts. For example, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has pushed grain prices higher. So, Japan should produce more food domestically, to ensure a stable food supply and relieve the food crisis.     

Next, I understand some may argue that food crises would not occur because food is sourced from different regions, but cheap farm produce from abroad have also devastated Japanese primary industry. For example, cheap farm produce has put many farmers out of business. Nobody wants to witness agriculture destroyed, the land ruined, and farmers unemployed.           

This issue is particularly serious in Japan. Therefore, I conclude that the government should try every possible measures to raise food self-sufficiency quickly, to maintain the livable country. Thank you for your attention. [180 Words Type-D]

Is it possible for developed countries to sustain present standards of living? 

The future is often hard to predict; depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, it is possible for developed countries to sustain current standards of living for the time being. Now let me explain the details.     

First, modern technology and ínfrastructure help the countries maintain their standard of living. For example, genetic engineering has boosted agricultural production. Plus, thanks to efficient transportation and renewables, people consume less resources. So, it is unlikely that economic, energy, or food crises will threaten the people in the near future.     

Next, I understand some may argue that we should lower the current standard of living, but people are making efforts to maintain their current lifestyle, by practicing “sustainable consumption,” such as reducing, reusing, and recycling. This balance between “economic growth” and “sustainability” is important, so the UN Sustainable Development Goals is working toward achieving both.           

Therefore, even though challenges remain, we should be optimistic about maintaining the current standard of living, and finding ways to sustain it for longer. Thank you for your attention. [182 Words Type-O]

Should more be done to help the working poor? 

Depending on what we are, the answers may well vary, and they all make sense, but in my view, our efforts to help the working poor is insufficient, so we need to act more to improve the current situation. Now let me explain the details.     

First, statistics have shown that both the number of reported cases of working poor and the number of consultations have been increasing at an alarming rate. So, even if the government insists that it’s taking enough actions, few people would believe it.     

Next, I understand some may argue that the social security budget has incréased, but it is reported that social workers are overworked and overwhelmed in dealing with working poor. This means that the government is not providing sufficient staff to address the issue. That is why the UN Sustainable Development Goals have listed ‘promoting decent work’ as one of their key challenges, urging member countries to achieve this.     

Therefore, I conclude that we should make more efforts to reduce the working poor, for a more healthy and vibrant society. Thank you for your attention. [181 Words Type-D]

*This includes policies that incréase the minimum wage, provide affordable housing and health care, and offer tax relief to low-income workers.