John Cibotti | Florida International University (original) (raw)

Papers by John Cibotti

Battle Analysis of Operation al-Fajr, also known as Operation Phantom Fury and the Second Battle ... more Battle Analysis of Operation al-Fajr, also known as Operation Phantom Fury and the Second Battle of Fallujah. Prepared for FLARNG OCS, Class 61

There are two ideas being presented: first is that a new leader would need to pick up where Bhind... more There are two ideas being presented: first is that a new leader would need to pick up where Bhindranwale left off. The transition from Bhindranwale to this yet-unnamed commander acts as a microcosm for the progression of Sikh martial character from the peaceful Guru Nanak to Maharajah Ranjit Singh. The progression in martial character among Sikh leadership will give credit to the idea that a leader who is seasoned in tactical objectives will resonate with Sikhs, as a reminiscence of Ranjit Singh, and parallels will be drawn between the distant past’s evolution of leadership tactics, and the evolution from those of Bhindranwale to his successor. It will be evinced that a new leader would likely look past Bhindranwale’s sant persona and instead focus on succeeding Ranjit Singh’s position as the new Maharajah of a new Sikh State. The second part of this essay will be a bit of war gaming, putting forth that a coup d’état is the most probable course of action for such a leader. A coup is logical for many reasons: it aligns with the ideology of a dharam yudh, or just war; as will be shown, a coup is the most probable conclusion that Sikh militant factions will ultimately come to; the idea of militant factions uniting for a mission is not new; and a new commander with military and political savvy will be needed to organize a coup. First, it is necessary to provide an overview of the evolving Sikh identity through the centuries. This essay can be viewed equally as both an academic investigation and security analysis.

Fictional interview with a figure who claims to be the devil. Uses religious logic and history to... more Fictional interview with a figure who claims to be the devil. Uses religious logic and history to twist interviewer's perspective.

Command economies are defined as those in which resources and goods are distributed by a central ... more Command economies are defined as those in which resources and goods are distributed by a central planning government and industry is largely publicly owned. However, in this modern era of mixed economies, new definitions for economy typologies are needed. I propose the theory that the United States is now the leading command economy in the world. I propose this based on a simple adaptation of a command economy's definition. By shifting the power from what is traditionally the centralized government to the hegemonic American private sector, the United States can be categorically defined as a command economy. A history of America's shift to the financial sector's usurpation of authority is most abundantly clear when beginning with the Reagan administration. Reagan's policies tear down a multitude of walls (no pun intended) necessary for the financial sector to rise. This, however, is only half of the story. The more intriguing aspect of this scenario is the government attempt to essentially mask this shift toward command economy standards by labeling it as a 'truer' free market system than we have seen in the past. Keynesian economics advocates government spending to stimulate and support the economy. During the Great Depression, the government entered the war against Nazi Germany, resulting in the shipment of millions of young men overseas and the surge in demand for production of military materials. This essentially saved the economy, which was only failing because of the shortsightedness of financial institutions in the first place. Since the Great Depression, government spending in every major economic downturn has primarily gone to failing financial institutions. The Reagan presidency should be (and often is) remembered for opening of the floodgates for the financial sector to assume control over the nation via the nation's economic system. By providing amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants, supporting immense globalization policies which lead to downturns in major American industries with the simultaneous international expansion of firms, and deregulating the financial sector (as well as bailing large institutions out), president Reagan initiated the transformation of the American capitalist structure into a mutated version of what he

This study investigates the differences between the Christians and Roman society. The objective i... more This study investigates the differences between the Christians and Roman society. The objective is an accurate idea of the Roman attitude toward Christ and his first followers. I am first concerned with the Roman treatment of Jesus before and during his trial, as well as Roman views towards religion in general. Next, with Roman religious practice of sacrifice, accusations of Christian incest and cannibalism, and the element of Christian exclusivity. My analysis of early Christian martyrs includes Paul and the twelve apostles, and my timeline will lead up to the Neronian fires in A.D. 64.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a fundamentalist organization with a clear objectiv... more The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a fundamentalist organization with a clear objective of restoring the strict Muslim rule over the Middle East, beginning with Iraq and Syria (though some dispute the legitimacy of their religious motives). This study will begin with the ideology of ISIS along with an outline of its formation. Next, the central issue of the Caliphate will be addressed, more specifically on the aspect of consensus, the primary instrument justifying their ideology. The question of support from Muslim and Western civilians, government funding and other “radical” organizations’ relationship with ISIS will be analyzed. Government and academic studies will be referenced for information.

Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s militant and masculinist discourses were embraced by Pun... more Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s militant and masculinist discourses were embraced by Punjabi Sikhs because of his presence as a charismatic authority, a concept first developed by sociologist Max Weber to understand the conditions surrounding and personal qualities of a figure which attracts followers. The rebellion he led in Punjab resulted from his radical exploitation of issues concerning the Sikh community. Religion was wielded as a tool, legitimizing Sikh violence as commanded by the Gurus. Radical interpretations of Sikh scripture and folklore were initially preached to rural, less educated crowds. While his sermons brought out their frustrations with the government, his charisma allowed him to manipulate young men, his largest demographic of supporters, into embracing violence. This study analyzes Bhindranwale from the perspective of the people that supported him. By identifying multiple social factors through which to understand Bhindranwale’s reign, this study exhibits his importance in understanding Sikhism in Modern India.