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Please write from your thoughts not course hero sources Thanks a lot Question is : Instructions for - De Beers and the Conflict Diamonds: A
Please write from your thoughts not course hero sources
Thanks a lot
Question is :
Instructions for - De Beers and the Conflict Diamonds: A Monopoly Doesn't Last Forever Case Analysis Read the case in the textbook (pp. 353-360) analyze your chosen case and prepare a 2-3 page case analysis that summarizes the case and answers the questions at the end of the case. Specifically, complete the following sections: Briefly summarize the main points of your chosen case
case will be: The Challenge of Conflict Diamonds
The Challenge of Conflict Diamonds Conflict or "blood" diamonds are diamonds that have been mined in a country that is in a civil war. The United Nations defines conflict diamonds as "diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council." The release of the movie Blood Diamond starring Leonardo Dicaprio as a diamond smuggler brought the issue of conflict diamonds to the forefront. Blood Diamond was set in Sierra Leone during its civil war and showed brutal images of murder, kidnapping, and mutilation. Some scenes included having children selecting which of their limbs would be amputated by the rebels to ensure children obey the commands of the rebels. Furthermore, additional scenes showed men being forced from their villages and being required to mine for diamonds as "slaves" to the rebels. One of the reasons why conflict diamonds can be potentially common in funding civil wars is the location of the diamonds. In Western African countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Ivory Coast, diamonds are located in marshy areas and riverbeds. The diamonds are very close to the surface of the ground, so it is very easy for anyone to "mine" the fields. In addition, it is very easy for a rebel group to seize control of the marshy area and force workers to mine the area. In other areas of the continent such as Botswana, the diamonds are found inside dormant volcano tubes. This type of mining and removal requires additional heavy machinery and may be closely protected by the government. In addition, if the country believes there is a threat that these mines will be seized by the rebels, the government can order that the opening of the mine be closed using explosives. As a result, countries with marshy, easy to obtain diamonds fields are more likely to have extended civil wars than are countries that do not have these marshy areas.- For example, in 1999, $200 million in conflict diamonds were smuggled out of Sierra Leone. During the height of the conflict diamonds trade in the 1980s and 1990s, 4% of all global diamond trade involved conflict diamonds. Furthermore, the smuggling of conflict diamonds is a very effective way for terrorists and other criminal organizations to launder money. Ill-gotten gains from illegal activities would be used to buy conflict diamonds illegally and then the conflict diamonds would be smuggled out of the country and sold legally as conflict-free diamonds. This is one method al Qaeda used to fund its operations. The true tragedy of this illegal trade is the needless loss of life. Approximately 3.7 million people have been killed in Africa so others could gain access to conflict diamonds, and another 6 million people have lost their homes because of the forced evaluation of rebels mining for conflict diamonds.3De Beers and the Conict Diamonds: A Monopoly Doesn't Last Forever Since the 19505, humans have been able to make synthetic diamonds. Yet, consumers demand \"real\" diamonds for their jewelry, but at what cost? The diamond industry has been marred with numerous ethical issues. From child labor to a company controlling the global market, diamonds have had a phenomenal economic, social, and political impact globally. The image of the diamond is critical because the diamond does not have any intrinsic value. For more than half a century, humans have been able to develop synthetic diamonds that are used in industrial settings. Diamonds are carbon based, so they are one of the strongest substances known to man. Before the invention of synthetic diamonds, manufacturers bought diamonds on the open market to be used as drill bits and cutting tools. However, when General Electric developed the world's first synthetic diamond, there was no longer a viable need for natural diamonds. Diamonds were then delegated purely for cosmetic reasons. Thousands and thousands of people have died, been maimed, or been displaced from their homes because of a mineral that sparkles as a piece of jewelryStep by Step Solution
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