This paper discusses the CentralAmerica Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), a free trade agreement between the United States and the countries of CentralAmerica.
Abstract This paper chronicles the efforts of the Bush Administration to pass the CAFTA, the CentralAmerica Free Trade Agreement. The author explains of its benefits. The paper delineates the problems of this legislation.
From the Paper " On January ..., President Bush announced that the United States would explore a free trade agreement with the countries of Central America. The President said his Administration would work closely with Congress towards this goal. The President added that the purpose of this initiative was to strengthen the economic ties the United States already had with these nations and to reinforce their progress toward economic political and social reform. The Central American Free Trade Agreement CAFTA is a proposed agreement between the United States and Guatemala, ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the role of women in the CentralAmerica area is complicated. The writer notes that on the one hand, women are not given the same rights as men and are also treated by the Church and society in a paternal fashion. On the other hand, many women in such societies work more often side by side with men in the fields and in some urban work situations, though they tend to be under-represented in higher level positions, in business, and in the professions. The writer points out that more and more analysts are recognizing, however, that women in CentralAmerica may be a key factor in bringing about change for the future.
Outline:
Social Analysis
Ethical Considerations
Business Strategy
From the Paper "The shift has been one from a strategic to a more pragmatic perspective as well. The one approach prepares women for a role in development by teaching them skills and providing them with needed goods and tools for the tasks of caring for the family, for instance, while the other takes the approach of gender mainstreaming, which means using strategies and processes to integrate gender-responsive goals in directions, policies, budget, projects, and services of development agencies. The approach tries to assure that men and women have equitable access to needed resources, among which might be socially valued goods, opportunities, and rewards. GAD also implies equal participation in influencing what is valued in a society and in helping to shape development, taking a role in planning, priority setting, policies, processes, implementation, evaluation, and resource allocations."
Abstract This critical essay examines Douglas Porpora's book, "How Holocausts Happen: The United States in CentralAmerica". The author analyzes the legitimacy of Porpora's themes, and uses historical evidence to refute them.
Abstract This paper examines how CentralAmerica is a distinctive region comprising of five small countries, namely, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, and how the five countries have encountered more than their fair share of political chaos and turmoil, beginning from the times of colonial occupation. It looks at the development of the region from being one of the economically depressed and socially backwards sections of the world when the Spaniards entered the region, through their independence from the Spaniards in 1821, to the liberalism and dictatorships of the 20th century.
From the Paper "The enlightenment that came through Spaniards ironically marked the end of Spanish rule when in 1821 Central America declared its independence, surprisingly without a shred of violence. The people who had gained some cultural advancement and political awareness refused to remain under Spanish control after Mexico announced its independence. The very next year, Central America decided to join Mexican empire but this fusion was short lived as the five countries detached themselves from Mexico in mid-1823. From fifteen years after that till 1838, these five countries shared one political identity and the federation was known as Provinces of Central America. The union which had been enthusiastically created was however not as beneficial to all countries as had been originally perceived."
Tags: guatemala, honduras, el, salvador, nicaragua, costa, rica
Abstract This paper includes a simple identification of nations from the Caribbean, CentralAmerica, and South America. Twenty-six nations are listed alongside a map of the region. The paper further discusses some of the lasting effects of Spanish and Portuguese colonialism on this region, including culture, economics, and politics.
From the Paper "By the early 1500s, both Spain and Portugal had well-established colonies throughout this area of the world. Spain's influence spread throughout all three sub-regions, while Portugal's influence was localized primarily in Brazil (Kicza, 2003)."
This research paper discusses the Central American nations and the current economic and political conditions impacting prospects for improving their economies and achieving or maintaining democratic reform initiatives into the new century.
Abstract The following paper discusses the historical facts pertaining to the economic development of CentralAmerica. It also examines the unfolding of events and regional and global environmental factors and provides a qualitative analysis to support the central thesis that forward movement can be sustained.
From the Paper ?Central America is an area undergoing a huge transformation as it enters the 21st century, integrating the economic social, political and cultural changes associated with its goal of incorporation into the global economy and international political society. The old authoritarian regimes have crumbled through transitions to democratic government, and leftist movements of the 1980s have been defeated or transformed. Political and economic changes are apparent throughout in Central America. Facilitated by the proactive opening to the global economy and export-led development (ELD) strategy, maquiladora production (particularly of garments), tourism, nontraditional agricultural exports, and money sent home from emigrant workers have risen dramatically in importance, changing the society and economy of the region from a traditional agricultural base to include and embrace the channels of global production and distribution. This has caused the emphasis to shift from farming, cottage industries of artisans, regionally-focused small industry, and other traditional classes to the new economic activities, creating new urban and rural working classes, and a new class of labor (Robinson, 1998).?
Abstract This paper reviews "The Banana Men" (Lester Langley and Thomas Schoonover) which delivers an account of American involvement and goals of imperialism in CentralAmerica during the late 19th and early twentieth century. The book describes the operations of U.S. politicians seeking relief from the pre-depression era in the economy of CentralAmerica. The paper shows that highlighted in the tale of "The Banana Men" are the nations of Honduras and Nicaragua, including the struggles each nation experienced during the time. The paper looks at how the book explains how Langley and Schoonover elaborate on America's goals of imperialism in CentralAmerica during the early 1900s and focus on the plights of individuals affected by such actions. Much rebellion and violent political disruptions and battles occurred as a result of U.S. involvement and the actions of political dictators and mercenaries.
From the Paper "Lester Langley tells the story of the "Banana Men" through the eyes and ideas of many different people. The novel explores the mindset of fruit producing corporations in Central America, American entrepreneurs coming to Central America for prosperity and adventure and the autonomous Central American dictators that controlled the politics of the country. The work discusses the history and background of the countries Honduras and Nicaragua from the early 1880's to approximately 1930. The book does not elaborate on foreign affairs or American involvement of the politics of other Central American countries, perhaps limiting it's effectiveness in perspective. It does however reveal American interest in turning attention away from the receding economy within the borders of the U.S."
Abstract The paper explores how Spain, France and England each colonized America on both a financial and religious basis. The paper looks at how Spain colonized mainly in South and CentralAmerica and were perhaps the most religiously motivated of all, France explored America based more on the economy factor than for religious reasons, while for England religion was a significant incentive in their colonization, but for different reasons than those of Spain. The paper discusses how the difference in approach that each country took to dealing with the native people already living in America significantly affected the development in those areas.
From the Paper "Christopher Columbus reportedly discovered America in 1492 while he was searching for a new route to the Indies. At this time Europe had just recently emerged from the Middle Ages, and was experiencing an age of enlightenment. The idea behind the enlightenment was that a better world could be built by human reason. Ideas of exploration, expansion, and colonization were finally commended, because they supported the movement of intellectual growth arising in this era. The developing logic of the Enlightenment allowed America to at last be acknowledged for all the economic opportunities that it held as well as the opportunities to spread religion and culture, develop military, and overall expand the European motherland. (Brians)"
This paper discusses the roots and causes of poverty in CentralAmerica and the Philippines: Unequal distribution of wealth, history, role of U.S. and overpopulation.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 8 sources, 1991, $ 63.95
From the Paper "This paper will discuss the roots and causes of poverty in Central America and the Philippines. Both of these regions are underdeveloped and are therefore considered to be part of the Third World. This is particularly ironic in the case of the Philippines, because that nation has seen a great deal of industrial growth during the twentieth century. Nevertheless, the majority of the population in the Philippines live in poverty despite the fact that the nation as a whole is "well above the poverty line". This situation exists because of inequalities in the distribution of wealth. In this regard, it can be seen that the wealth of the Philippines is "concentrated among owners and managers of a relatively few well-organized and productive enterprises and land-holdings" while the majority of the people are "engaged in small-scale business and farming" ... "
This paper reviews the "The Maya," by Michael D. Coe, published in 1966, which is a detailed look into the history and civilization of the Maya Indians, who lived in ancient Mexico and CentralAmerica.
Abstract This paper discusses the anthropological book "The Maya," by Michael D. Coe which presents a detailed analysis of the Mayan people who survive to this day in the area of CentralAmerica and a small part of Southern Mexico. The author appreciates Coe's style as he moves the civilization through time and includes drawing of the people's pottery and craftware, which clearly illustrates their cultural growth. The author feels that the ending was a major letdown because the book just seemed to end at a point where much more could have been said.
From the Paper "Reading this book makes the reader extremely aware of the many details of culture that can be discovered by looking at the results of an archeological dig. Because of the findings, scientists know the Mayas kept dogs and bees, hunted wild animals near their homes, fished, (included the ways they fished), and grew many crops, including corn, beans, and squash. They also know they produced salt, and traded a variety of other goods (Coe 140-141). It is amazing to think all this information rests beneath the ground, and it can be found relatively easily once a particular archeological area is discovered and established. It cannot help but make the reader wonder what our civilization is leaving behind, and what future archeologists will think about our own civilization."
Abstract This essay is a case study that pertains to utilitarian and rights-oriented ethics in international business. The ethical issue involves the known environment in which H.B Fuller operates, in Honduras and Guatemala, when selling toluene-based glue that is in high demand in CentralAmerica but is as it is also known to be abused by street children to their great detriment. This essay argues that when this situation is examined from a number of points of view, an ethical position that is to the benefit of all players, including the H.B.Fuller organization, can be established.
Abstract This paper examines the connection between a civilization's destruction of the environment and the collapse of that civilization. The author analyzes the decline of civilizations by tracing the inhabitants' negative interactions with the environment, focusing on three examples: civilizations from Easter Island, the Maya in CentralAmerica and the ancient Sumarian societies of Mesopotamia.
From the Paper "There is a matrix of interrelated factors that influence the rise and fall of civilizations and the ecosystems they exist in. Mankind does not exist in a vacuum nor are all ecosystems the same. Some physical environments are more resilient to manmade stresses than others. In many cases, man has greatly impacted the environment yet society has sustained minimal lasting effects. In other ecosystems, even a minute amount of interference permanently alters the balance of nature. In the modern era, man has resorted to artificial means (i.e., fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides) to combat environmental damage that in previous ages would have been detrimental to society. Every civilization, past and present, has impacted the environment to varying degrees. Will future archeologists stand puzzled over our ruins and ponder the civilization that once ruled? Or will we learn from the past, tread lightly, and try to become more attune to our surroundings? Only time will tell."
Tags: Maya, Easter, Island, Sumaria, Mesopotamia, Central, America, ecosystems
Abstract This paper gives an overview of the ancient Mayan culture, with an emphasis on their art, religion and their daily lives. The author first examines the significance of the Mayan pyramids which still stand today. The pyramids are felt to give insights into the Mayan's religion and government. The paper continues by suggesting theories of why the Mayans disappeared. Despite the disappearance of ancient Mayans, the author suggests that cultural influences of the Mayans still exist in CentralAmerica today.
Outline:
Introduction-Who Were the Mayans?
The Case Against the Mayans
The Case for Mayan Culture
Conclusion
From the Paper "As for what architecture tells us about the Mayan people, the creation of pyramids and temples that were as large and time-consuming as those created by the Mayans indicate a race of people who were strong, intelligent, and willing to work together for a common goal. Very likely, Mayans were interested in their collective society, as well as their own families, and they worshiped their King. Religion was extremely important to them, as has been mentioned. They used their pyramids and other structures as places to worship, and reverence to their gods was a vital part of their daily lives."
Abstract This paper discusses the reasons and factors why immigrants from CentralAmerica and Mexico chose to immigrate to the United States. The author debunks the common ideology that the Latin American immigrants are in the United States to take advantage of the public benefits and that they are criminals escaping from their homelands by conducting several interviews with immigrants. From these interviews, the author demonstrates that many immigrants arrive in the United States for work and in hopes of a better life and education for themselves and their family, values which are essentially the same as the founders of the United States, also immigrants themselves.
From the Paper "Post World War II, there has been an increasing rate of Latino immigration into the United States. Because of this, many theories exist as to why Latino immigrants should not come to the States. Some believe they want to take advantage of the welfare system while others believe they want to run the country, and still others believe they should not be allowed into the country for they continue remaining loyal to their homeland. Videos found on the Internet portray stereotypical Latino immigrants as invading the United States and coming to take advantage of the country. The dominant ideology reveals that Americans are not very welcoming of immigrants for they fear they will one day become the minorities. As an individualistic nation, this ideology reveals that Americans should not be obligated to help immigrants and thus try to limit the flooding of Latino immigration."
