Abstract The paper analyzes "The Colonial Heritage of LatinAmerica," by Stanley and Barbara Stein who argue that many of the characteristics and limitations of LatinAmerica have their inception during the colonial period and have been altered only slightly with the passage of time and increasing technology that enables better contact with the rest of the world. The paper discusses the suggestion that LatinAmerica is a continent that has only been able to inadequately fulfill its development potential, based on the limitations of the persistent characteristics of its colonial past.
From the Paper "In "The Colonial Heritage of Latin America," Stanley and Barbara Stein argue that many of the characteristics and limitations of Latin America have their inception during the colonial period and have been altered only slightly with the passage of time and increasing technology that enables better contact with the rest of the world."
Abstract This paper gives a brief yet concise history of the independence period in LatinAmerica. This era took place in the early 19th century and was characterized by countries seeking independence from the colonial rule of Spain and Portugal. The role of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and the American War of Independence are considered as possible influences for the Latin American quest for independence. The role of Simon Bolivar, a Latin American fighter and revolutionary, is also considered.
From the Paper "Throughout its history, Latin America was fraught with violence and bloodshed. Whether it was the invasions with the Toltec in Mexico in 950-1150 Common Era (CE), the defeat of Chimu by Tupca Inca in Chile in 1476 CE or Tenochtitlan falling to the Spaniards and their Indian allies in 1521 (Baker 1998) , the landscape from the American continent to the Caribbean islands was forged with fire and the blood of both natives and conquerors. But the revolution discussed herein is the one or those that happened from 1800 to 1830 wherein the fundamental structure of Latin American countries changed and spelled "the beginning of the end of the Iberian Colonial powers in Ibero-America." As discuss by Baker, the period is known as Independence Period wherein, like falling dominos, colonized countries from Haiti, Paraguay, and Venezuela to Chile, Argentina, etc. revolted against their masters and declared Free states. "
Abstract This paper examines how as early as 1958, the Milton Eisenhower report criticised U.S. behavior on LatinAmerica and how Latinos accused the U.S. of denying them credits in the desired volume, of fixing prices to their detriment, of neglecting the necessity of social reform and of supporting the region's dictators. It looks at how under the pressure of the Cuban Revolution, John F. Kennedy launched an unprecedented development programme for LatinAmerica which took into account Eisenhower's demands. It discusses the Alliance for Progress that Kennedy launched to help LatinAmerica in the 1960s. It evaluate its failure by the 1970s and examines the reasons for that failure, with particular reference to Frei's Chile.
From the Paper "Idealism and liberalism would soon be replaced by realism in the White House. The Kennedy administration's passion for the development of Latin America, strongly influenced by the realities of Fidel Castro in Cuba, was replaced, after JFK's assassination, by Lyndon Johnson and his Latin American Affairs chief, Thomas Mann. Both men saw Latin America from the position of Texan oil entrepreneurs, "Mexico and the rest". As LaFeber argues Mann was, "the perfect choice to dismantle the Alliance at the same time Johnson continued the old Kennedy rhetoric". If the Alliance contained fundamental flaws under Kennedy's idealists, then once the realism of Johnson and Mann, followed by the globalism of Nixon and Kissinger, came to power, the last chance for the Alliance to prove a success was extinguished."
Abstract This paper explains how the temperate grasslands of LatinAmerica developed, both in their original formation and in terms of colonization. Human development was a matter of aggressive exploitation.
This paper discusses income disparities in LatinAmerica: The history, main causes, the different countries, high-income disparities, ethnicity and gender, and possible solutions.
Abstract This paper states that, although inequality and high levels of income disparity represent major challenges confronting economists and leaders in many parts of the world, the problem is particularly severe in the Latin American countries. The author believes that the root of this phenomenon lies in the region's colonial history and the exploitation of the indigenous population as slave labor for agriculture and tapping the mines. The paper concludes that these stubborn patterns of inequality can be overcome if determined efforts are made to open political and social policies to all and to provide access by the poorer sections to social services. Footnotes.
Table of Contents
Income Disparities in LatinAmerica Measuring Inequality: Some Recent Studies
LatinAmerica: How Unequal?
Income Disparity in LatinAmerica: Getting Worse?
Is Poverty and Income Disparity Related?
Historical Roots of Inequality in LatinAmerica Comparison with Colonization of North America Persisting Patterns of Inequality
Social, Economic and Political Changes in the 20th Century
Roles of Race, Ethnicity and Gender in Income Disparities
Racial Identification
Ethnic Identification
Identity Formation and Discrimination
Assets of Households
Access to Services
Average Incomes
What do the Race and Gender-Related Income Statistics Mean?
The Consequences of Inequality
Considered Unfair
Results in Greater Poverty
Affects Economic Growth
Current Backlash
Solutions for Reducing the Inequality in LatinAmerica More Open Political and Social Institutions
More Equitable Economic Institutions and Policies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Poverty and income disparity are not the same concepts. Poverty may decline in a country or region where income disparity is increasing. However, experience has shown that such a situation occurs rarely and inequality and poverty are closely related. This is because in a growing economy with stable levels of inequality, poverty invariably falls. As a result the Latin American region showed significant reduction in poverty levels in the 1970s, when its economies were growing with a corresponding drop in inequality. On the other hand, the 1980s saw a fall in incomes and more unequal income distribution?resulting in accelerated increase in poverty."
Abstract The paper begins with a review of the history and development of the internet. This review deals with the technological development of the internet, as opposed to the applications of the technology. In the second section, the internet is reviewed as an industry. The essential structure of the industry, the functioning of electronic commerce (e-commerce) within this structure, and variations in the Internet industry among global regions and countries are covered. The following section looks at information on and analysis of the region itself and the internet industry in LatinAmerica. Information on and analysis of those internet companies already active in the Latin American internet industry are found in presentations in this following section. In the next section, data relevant to firms participating in 2000 in the internet industry in LatinAmerica are presented. Firms are discussed within the context of their industry participation: (1) ISPs and horizontal portals, (2) vertical portals, and (3) e-commerce firms. The major emphasis, however, is placed on the ISPs and horizontal portals group, as it is this group within which most of the publicly traded internet industry companies in LatinAmerica are to be found.
Introduction to the Report
Report Contents
Introduction to the Internet
Section Preview
History of the Internet
Development of the Internet
Section Notes
The Global Internet Industry
Section Preview
The Structure of the Industry .
E-Commerce
Industry Variations by Global Region
Section Notes
The Latin American Internet Industry
Section Preview
Development of the Industry
Issues Relevant to Future Growth
Industry Variations by Country
Section Notes
Players in the Latin American Industry
Section Preview
ISPs and Horizontal Portals
Vertical Portals
E-Commerce Firms
Section Notes
Bibliography
From the Paper "This report is designed to provide the investor considering entry into the Internet industry in Latin America with the information needed to make an informed decision on the issue. To provide a logical flow of information to support an integrated assessment process by an investor, this report is structured in major sections, each of which provides information relevant to the investment decision in a sequence that leads from a basic familiarity with the Internet and the Internet industry to an in-depth review of the major players in the Internet industry in Latin America. To facilitate an investor's review and analysis of the information provided in this report, major sections and their sub-sections are identified both textually and numerically in the Report Contents page which follows this Introduction to the Report. Sources of information presented in this report are identified through the use of a notation system. For the convenience of the reader of the report, notes are located at the end of each major section of the report and are identified as Section Notes. A Bibliography of all sources cited in the report is presented at the end of the report."
Abstract The central thesis of Eduardo Galeano's 1971 work of poetic, economic nonfiction, "Open Veins of LatinAmerica" is that the cash crops and natural resources of LatinAmerica have provided the fundamental tools for the rich nations of North America and Europe to grow richer, at the expense of the poorest of the poor of LatinAmerica. This paper examines the book and shows how Galeano speaks of the colonial powers as "the winners" and LatinAmerica as "the loser" because of its subsequent political instability after colonial economic exploitation.
From the Paper "At times, Galeano makes great philosophical leaps, and because his analysis is more poetic than statistical, one must as a reader essentially 'go on a ride' with him, and accept some of his sweeping assumptions about the world. However, the ride is ultimately an enriching one. The world cannot sustain itself, if we all remain focused on selfishly profiting our own nations, as was typical during the colonial era. It is no longer sustainable for a national community to focus on enriching itself with greedy policies, because we as a world have come to see that everyone is affected by such an attitude, from our air, water, soil, and the whole of our environments."
Abstract This paper takes a look at how LatinAmerica currently has the potential to be the fastest growing internet market in the world. This paper also takes a look at the effects, predictions and obstacles that have had an influence on the Latin American community as a result of accessing and using the Internet.
Contents:
Who are the Latin American Internet Users?
Obstacles to Internet Growth and Use in LatinAmerica - The Economy
Infrastructure Problems - Computers and Phone Lines
The Language Barrier
The Future of e-Commerce
Profile of Countries
From the Paper "Although Latin America is behind the times, the Internet is rapidly growing. The Latin American Internet is expected to grow faster then the United States. Salomon Smith Barney's report on StarMedia, issued on March 14, 2000, claimed, "the marketing pace and competitive activity in Latin America is currently more frenzied than what was the experience in the United States." But why is the activity so frenzied? What exactly is the Internet market like in Latin America right now? What are the obstacles preventing a flourishing Internet market? What factors should a public relations practitioner know about when using the Internet in public relations activities in Latin America? The rest of this section answers these questions."
Tags:america, barrier, commerce, communication, e, economy, internet, language, latin, obstacles
Abstract This paper discusses the history of Latin American revolutionary movements and the circumstances that have shaped LatinAmerica since the arrival of the Europeans. It discusses the role of the United States in LatinAmerica, particularly its economic and political interests. The paper ends by discussing, briefly, the role of women in the Latin American revolutions.
From the Paper "The history of Latin American revolutionary movements is one of repeated social and political fragmentation. Of course, this is true of most revolutionary movements in world history; however, the unique circumstances that have shaped Latin America since the arrival of Europeans have placed their independence movements in the midst of heated struggles between the imperial powers of the world. As a result, the varied socioeconomic structure of many Latin American nations has generated intense hostility between the social elites, the working class, as well as outside political and economic forces. Nevertheless, one of the recurring themes in Latin American history is the emergence of a powerful labor movement; far more influential than those in the United States, and accordingly, threatening to American business interests."
Abstract The paper explains Michael Reid's main argument in his book, "Forgotten Continenent: The Battle for LatinAmerica's Soul", that LatinAmerica should matter to Americans, even if the mass media refuses to show any interest. The paper discusses how Reid contends that while there have been some major problems on the way to reform, a new world order is emerging in LatinAmerica. The paper then looks at Reid's claims of improving democracies and serious social change. The paper asserts that much of the information in the first half of the book is factual and not easily disputed, however, the second half of the book is highly opinionated and with questionable evidence. The paper concludes that Reid's work is still an important contribution to the study of Latin American politics and their contribution to the global marketplace.
Outline:
Reid's Key Arguments
Evolution Rather Than Revolution
Conclusion
From the Paper "Latin American used to be considered a non-entity in terms of economic opportunity. When some one said, "Latin America" it typically conjured up images of primitive tribes, jungles, and ancient long lost ruins. It was not associated with a land of opportunity for investment and venture capital. However, Latin America continues to improve its image and is in the process of integrating into the global economy. Latin America is becoming a player in the world economy. Michael Reid's book, "Forgotten Continent: The Battle for Latin America's Soul" examines Latin America in a new light. This book examines Latin America and its deepened democratic institutions as a world of opportunity and social advancement."
Tags: economy, poverty, democracy, reforms, mass, media
By examining various events in recent history, this paper looks at whether the relationship between the U.S. and LatinAmerica is a healthy relationship.
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between the U.S. and LatinAmerica, through discussion of the following case studies: Cuba and the U.S. trade embargo; Mexico and the use of U.S. branch plants (or maquiladoras); Colombia and the U.S.A. war on drugs; Brazil and the U.S. environmental standards in the rainforest; Panama Canal and U.S. actions regarding U.S. involvement; and the Chile-U.S. fair trade agreement. The paper finds that the relationship between the U.S. and LatinAmerica is not a positive one for LatinAmerica.
From the Paper "The issue of Cuba has been a thorn in the side of the US since the Cuban missile crisis. Currently, the US imposes a trade embargo on Cuba, and all of its products. This, coupled with Russia's disengagement from Cuba, has caused huge economic problems for Cuba, which is rich in natural resources, including sugar and tobacco. Without outlets for its products, Cuba is unable to maximize its profits from its natural resources, and remains a poor country. Yet, it is a country with an excellent health and education system, which is the envy of many developing (and even developed) nations: the socialist government ensures that those resources the country does have are used wisely, to the benefit of the majority of the people on the island."
Abstract This paper examines how both dependency theory and Marxist theory suggest reasons why LatinAmerica and similar areas in the world have not achieved the same level of economic development as the developed world and how each theory has then been used as a reason for making changes to effect greater levels of development. It considers the history and political and social structures in LatinAmerica and looks at how the way these theories have affected Latin American economies and their citizens.
From the Paper "Development and underdevelopment are seen in terms of dependency theory as part of the same process and not as separate entities. Dependency theory was fashioned to explain the patterns of development in Latin America and held that this development had been conditioned by the incorporation of the region into the capitalist mode of production. The dependency of the Third World on the developed capitalist nations involves an interaction that explains the economic and social-class formations that have emerged in places like Latin America and also the structure of trade, technology, and investment between the developed and the developing world (Topik, 1987, pp. 554-555)."
Abstract This comparative analysis examines the author's own ethnicity as well as that of LatinAmerica. Discussed are the changes such as socialization, cultural attitudes, laws and customs, which need to be made so women can have more freedom. Essay is based on Silvana Paternostro's " In the Land of God and Man: A Latin Woman's Journey".
From the Paper "Paternostro describes how she was awed by men's power, even their signatures, "about whom I was consumed with curiosity. What they did, how they talked seemed much more alive than what women did" (Paternostro 1999). Men talked of politics and things that seemed so much more important than women's lives. It makes one think of the scene from "Gone With the Wind", when the men retire to the library for cigars and brandy. They close the doors and discuss manly things, while the women tend to womanly things and young girls take naps, far away from the closed doors of the library. And if a female should enter, she might be humored for a moment but was inevitably put in her place. Paternostro described how she too was humored when she dared try to discuss politics with the men, promptly and politely put in her place. She was told, "It's not attractive to be so opinioned" (Paternostro 1999). She said, "My place as a woman was a follower" (Paternostro 1999)."
