Abstract This paper examines the Bloc Quebecois which is known outside of Quebec largely as a separatist party, intent on seceding from Canada and establishing Quebec as a sovereign state. The paper examines the party, focusing specifically on its social positions and economic policy.
From the Paper "The ideological development of the Bloc Quebecois, with special reference to its positions on social and economic policy. The Bloc Quebecois is known outside of Quebec largely as a separatist party, intent on seceding from Canada and establishing Quebec as a sovereign state. Certainly it was originally established as a temporary party, bent only on lasting long enough to secure the independence of Quebec. Since then, has it evolved into anything other than a nationalist party? In order to answer this question, this paper will examine the Bloc's ideological development by examining its positions on social and economic policy."
Abstract For all the realities of globalization, nations cannot escape their own geo-history. Culture, religion, geography, ethnicity, all combine to squarely place a given nation on a map surrounded by its neighbors, who have been there through the millennia. In the past, this familiarity has often produced contempt and war. Today, however, many nations, both developed and developing, are finding comfort in regional strength through favored-nation economics blocs, such as EU, ASEAN, NAFTA, and Mercosur. While the barriers to economic growth are being lowered, the cultures and traditional values in each country seem to be locked-in. This essay illustrates how these contradictory effects work in international marketing by analyzing the cultural diversities within the economic blocs, whatever inside and outside.
From the Paper "Between 1990 and 1994, the GATT was informed of 33 regional trading arrangements, nearly a third of all deals since 1948. By now there are only a few countries, including Japan, that do not belong to any formal economic blocs, according to the survey of the field taken by the World Trade Organization (WTO, the successor to GATT), on the occasion of its inauguration (WTO, 1995, 27). If the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) is counted as a regional trading arrangement of sorts, then virtually all countries now belong to at least one such club."
Abstract This paper presents a definition of globalization along with traditional international trade theories that support the concept of globalization. It presents a synopsis of some of the major drivers of globalization along with four effects of globalization that affect the community and the Performance Food Group Company (PFG). The paper details the major regional trading blocs as wells as two specific trading blocs in PFG's region of interest.
Outline:
Abstract
Globalization
International Trade
Globalization Drivers
Effects of Globalization
Trading Blocs Conclusion
From the Paper "As countries have increasingly engaged in the importing and exporting of goods and services, international trade has become more prominent. International trade has been the catalysis for globalization. Globalization is the convergence of distinct national economic systems to one huge global market (Hill, 2005). Several theories exist that explain the benefits of international trade and subsequently globalization. Adam's Smith's theory of absolute advantage, the theory of comparative advantage and the Heckscher-Ohlin theory all support the concept of globalization."
Abstract This paper discusses the expansion strategies of Global Energy as it contemplates entering the Indonesian market. It bases this discussion on the examination of an alternative energy product. The paper focuses on the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) trading bloc. It briefly examines the relevant trading blocs with which Global Energy must either maintain relationships or establish relationships. It describes compliance and financial issues and describes issues related to venture capital and joint venture.
From the Paper "Trade Transactions
Global Energy's petroleum related products are highly sought after all ASEAN member countries as well as regional non-members have expressed a deep interest in sourcing petroleum products through a regional producer."
"Financing Sources
Financing the Indonesian project is a major undertaking even for a company with the size and scope of Global Energy. The importance of making the proper choice in financing strategies cannot be understated as the choice of financing can determine the success or failure and the profitability or loss of the overall project."
This paper is a case study, which analyzes Riordan Manufacturing's pending move into the Canadian market relative to the existing regional trading blocs.
Abstract This paper explains that, because Riordan is suffering from revenue erosion and a reduction in margins in its local U.S. market, it is seeking to expand into the Canadian market. The author points out that, as a U.S. company in Canada, the company can benefit from foreign exchange hedging strategies intended to repatriate funds across regions and markets, which is especially true of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).The paper relates that one other potential trading bloc consideration for Riordan is possibly the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) regional trading bloc by virtue of a Chinese operation. The paper concludes that association with NAFTA through additional location in Canada is the best trade association for Riordan.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Overview
Trading Bloc Targets
Compliance Issues
Trade Transactions
Financing Organizations
Venture Capital
Joint Venture
Recommended Action
From the Paper "Until such antiquated protectionist policies are dismantled in the Canadian market, cultural integration between Riordan's Canadian operations and its U.S. headquarters will be more difficult than compliance with the actual regulations of NAFTA. NAFTA's trade structures are fairly well documented and the market advantages of operating in Canada provide Riordan with some benefits it cannot get by expanding in its home market. Additionally, should Riordan wish to expand in the future into Mexico, compliance with NAFTA regulations virtually assures it will have almost free market access to do so."
Tags: protectionism, transactions, financial, efficiency, local
Abstract By the end of the 1980's, it was becoming increasingly clear that the antiquated two party system in Canada was no longer effective in representing the views of the entire nation. Regional cleavages were becoming severely pronounced and alternative regional-based parties were thus progressively more alluring. The success of the Francophone Bloc Quebecois and the western based Reform party boldly highlights the intensity of the thrust behind the regional movement. This paper will compare and contrast the constitution of these two flourishing parties and some light may be shed upon the changing nature of politics and electoral behaviour in Canada.
Abstract This paper defines globalization and the major drivers of globalization, including three examples of each. The author points out the effects of globalization that impact a community and an organization. The paper relates the major trading blocs.
From the Paper "Globalization is or refers to the increasing economic integration and interdependence of nations. Globalization is frequently associated with an increased flow of goods, services, money, people, knowledge and ideas across national borders, resulting in integration of the global economy. Globalization is driven by free trade and foreign investment leading to the integration of economic, cultural, political and social systems across geographical boundaries. There are a number of major drivers of globalization. One driver involves advances in telecommunication that make international telephone and data communication less expensive and more ..."
Abstract This paper discusses Riordan Manufacturing as it relates to the firm's pending expansion into the Canadian market. It examines the relative international business issues centered on international financial organizations as they function within regional trading blocs. Additionally, the paper discusses the foreign exchange concerns that Riordan and other companies face across markets, regardless of currencies involved. Finally, it examines how to mitigate or manage this volatility in the foreign exchange markets.
From the Paper "International firms or firms with a great deal of foreign market activity must utilize hard and soft currency strategies in the form of foreign exchanges of currency as a way to reduce risk and Riordan is no exception. That is, there exist several forms of risk for which companies must hedge by utilizing the foreign currency exchanges in a strategic manner to reduce such risk. However, while risk reduction strategies do serve to mitigate risk they cannot fully remove risk from foreign exchange transactions which, due to geopolitical events and other market developments, are somewhat exposed volatility to one degree or another regardless of mitigation strategies deployed by a given firm."
Abstract The paper explains the bipolar idea that depicts the world as divided into two camps, both militarily and ideologically, with the West representing democratic ideals and with the Soviet bloc representing Communism in opposition to democracy. The paper describes the era of the Cold War when the two sides engaged in an escalating arms race that lasted until the Soviet Union dissolved. The paper relates that today the process of globalization replaced the economic aspects of the bipolar world and terrorism and the globalization of the conflict in the Middle East has taken the place of the Soviet Union as the major threat to the West.
From the Paper "The bipolar world that developed after World War II represented the basic perceived structure of world politics during the Cold War. The bipolar idea depicts the world as essentially divided into two camps, both militarily and ideologically, with the West representing democratic ideals, and with the Soviet bloc representing Communism in opposition to democracy. Much of the world divided between the two camps, with the two sides creating mutual defense pacts among member nations, and with much of the rhetoric of the age based on the clash of ideologies as well as images of a military threat from the other side."
Abstract This paper examines the European Union, regionalism and liberalism. It defines each of the terms and discusses how they relate to one another. It suggests that regionalism can be described within the theory of liberalism. The paper concludes that all economic blocs can be seen as benefiting if they choose to participate in a regional setting.
From the Paper "One potential issue that arises in this specific bloc is that it can be said that the liberal trade agreement inside the EU is not as beneficial for smaller countries than it is for larger countries. This is because the larger countries have more spending power, which gives them more power in rules and regulations that will affect all of the countries in the bloc, nit just the large ones. This could possibly mean that the large country could help pass a rule that makes it harder for the smaller country to participate in international commerce. This is not an issue that is strictly a problem for the EU. This would be a problem for any economic bloc, regional or not. A solution might be to give all of the countries equal voting power, however, this could also be seen as harmful because the larger countries help the economic stabilization of others. Germany has different needs than Malta. Malta might be better helped if it were to have Germany to fall back on rather than helping make a decision in the first place."
Abstract The paper looks at why the countries of the North American zone; Canada, the United States and Mexico joined together as an economic bloc and why European nations chose to re-constitute themselves into a single political and economic bloc after the Second World War. The paper then examines how economic integration between the European and North American countries has been and is pursued. The paper compares NAFTA to the European Union and explores the tensions between the two powerful trading blocs and where their tense relationship appears to be headed.
Outline:
Introduction
The North American Free Trade Agreement
The European Union: Its Origins, its "Unity-Based" Agenda, and its Collective Trade Policy
Comparing NAFTA with the European Union
Conclusion
From the Paper "The "official" reasons for the emergence of the North American Free Trade Agreement are stated in Article 102 of the document. Specifically, the document states that all three signatories wish to eliminate barriers in trade and to facilitate the free movement of goods and services across the boundaries of the various territories. Article 102 also makes it clear that NAFTA is meant to promote "fair competition" and to increase investment opportunities for all three nations. As importantly as anything else, the document also delineates that the free trade accord is meant to ensure that intellectual property rights and the enforcement of intellectual property rights is carried out effectively and vigorously in all of the ratifying nations."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough definition of NAFTA and proceeds to examine the impact that this agreement has had on the United States. It deals with personal issues such as claims of heightened unemployment as well as national issues such as tax benefits and improved trade.
From the paper:
"On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This treaty drops most tariffs by 50% immediately, and dropped to zero by 2009. It is a unique trading agreement between two developed countries and a developing nation on a single continent. After eight years since NAFTA commenced, there are mixed analysis and opinions on whether this treaty is a success. It was designed to provide a free-flow of goods between countries without imputative measures and tariffs being enforced; it was promoted as a means to improve productivity and create jobs in the three countries; and, it was touted as model for further free-trade blocs to be created in the Americas and in other regional markets. After eights, no other free-trade blocs exists, nor has any other free-trade treaties been pursued and/or implemented by the NAFTA partners; and, with a world in a recession, there are two points of views on whether NAFTA has been more damaging than good during at this time, or if NAFTA has prevented further harm through its free-flow of goods."
Abstract The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a powerful force in global economics. The WTO plays a significant role in every industry including the oil industry. This paper investigates the WTO's impact on oil-producing countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) political economy as a strategic union. The discussion seeks to discover if they are better off working as a bloc of countries, or as individual nations.
Introduction
The GCC and the WTO
The GCC as a Bloc
From the Paper "The gulf Cooperation council was created in 1981 and composed of six old producing countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar (Gulf Region 2004). The purposes of the organization are educational, political, economics, industry and security (Gulf Region 2004). The council was created to find the most beneficial ways to handle scarce resources. Accept for Saudi Arabia, all of the countries in the GCC are also members of the World Trade Organization (Gulf Region 2004)."
Abstract This paper considers regional integration in general and NAFTA in particular, including analysis of the various countries participating in NAFTA. It looks at the development of regional trading blocs and cites benefits of such blocs.
From the Paper "By the close of the twentieth century a few large economies-including the United States-dominated the world market. These economies with their influence over financial and commodity markets can make it difficult for smaller countries to successfully build an economic system which can emerge from developing to developed status. As a result smaller and emerging economies have banded together to take advantage of geographic and economic benefit that would otherwise be unavailable. Even larger countries-such as the United States Canada and Mexico-have formed regional ..."
Abstract This paper considers the development of democracy in former Soviet bloc countries. It focuses on how the countries of the former Soviet bloc have had to make a number of political and economic changes in a relatively short time, with most moving toward some form of free market economy and with many attempting as well to develop more democratic governments as well. The paper specifically focuses on Poland and Czechoslovakia.
From the Paper "The countries of the former Soviet bloc have had to make a number of political and economic changes in a relatively short time, with most moving toward some form of free market economy, and with many attempting as well to develop more democratic governments as well. Poland and Czechoslovakia are two such countries, and they have achieve some level of democracy to differing degrees, though each has much further to go to reach the desired end. Western-style democracy is alien to these countries, and each has adapted to it in different ways. The change came in Poland in 1990 with the dissolution of the Polish United Workers' Party (PUWP) after 41 years of one-party rule."
