Politics Paper Example on Central American Countries

What physical, economic and social similarities can you discover among Central American countries that would provide a basis for regional political unity?

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Central American countries exhibit different physical landscapes. They, however, have seen a prevalence in external influences. Like many developing nations, social issues like crime and violence continue to affect the Central American Countries. For example, Honduras and El Salvador have the highest murder rates in the world. Crime and violence are prevalent in other Central American countries. In Nicaragua for instance, gang violence continued to undermine government authority and disrupt economic development in the country. Belize and Guatemala rank fifth and eighth in crime rates. The crime is prevalent in rural and urban areas (Blouet & Blouet, 2015; p 240).

Looking at the economies of Central American countries, there are similarities that cut across all countries. For one the major economic activity in Central America is Agriculture (McWilliams, 2015; pg. 5). Foreign powers have much influence in the economies of these countries. Some of the imports and exports that are produced from the region do circulate Central American countries. Still a major faction of the countrys natural resources and raw materials. As different countries continue to develop, there are several reforms that lessen the dependency Central American countries have in developed countries (Blouet & Blouet, 2015; p 240).

The sustainability of economic development in Central America rests in the hands of the world economy. For this reason, the fluctuation in world economies has a significant impact Central American economies negatively. Most of the countries in Central America have had to rely on funds remitted by individuals in the United States. For instance, El Salvador recorded 16.5 % improvement in their Gross Domestic Product (Blouet & Blouet, 2015; p 237). These influences continue to determine the social and political climate of Central America.

Will Central America, by adopting trade pacts such as PPP and CAFTA trade one form of dependency for another? Why is this region trapped in a cycle of poverty that is rooted in its economic system from the colonial era?

The dependency that Central American have on developed nations has undermined economic advancement for a long time. It is important that the region as a whole take the initiative to improve the value of their economic development through trade associations within the region. However, the formation of trade organizations like PPP and CAFTA may be a change of one dependency with another (Blouet & Blouet, 2015; p 240). The intent for trade and political associations is to create policy one development and trade. Still, the previously formed unions failed to achieve their goal. Further placing the country into its dependency. For instance, the inclusion of the USA into CAFTA may, in fact, present deeper economic penetration of the Central American economy by the United States of America (Blouet & Blouet, 2015; p 240).

The colonial era is an important influence when it is looking at the every continuous cycle of poverty and neo-liberal policies. The colonial era sought to make use of the resources of the country and produce goods that would be taken back to their country. After the countries in Central America had achieved independence, they sought to take over their economic destinies, through the stabilization of the industries that had been left behind by their colonial masters. Unfortunately, the colonial era saw less local people inducted into the economic system built by colonialist.

The result of this effect is that the governments that have taken up the task of economic development and fail time and again. Central American countries continue to experience cycles of poverty. The unclear and inefficient manner in which the industries left behind ran forced governments to make steps to stabilize their economies. Developed countries took advantage of this position and sought to transfer their factories to Central America. These are the influences that continue to undermine the value of economic development in Central America (Blouet & Blouet, 2015; p 240).

References

Blouet, B. & Blouet, O. (2015). Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic and Regional Survey, 7th Edit (1st ed.).

McWilliams, (2015). People and Society.pptx.