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NAFTA: Does Trade Equal Prosperity?, 2008.
An argument that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has failed to improve the standards of living for North American citizens.
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper contends that the 'benefit' of increased trade has failed to usher in a new era of prosperity, of higher incomes, more jobs and better standards of living for all North American citizens. The paper asserts that the assumption that NAFTA would naturally benefit the economy, merely through the activity of an unimpeded and less-restricted market, was ultimately naive. The paper shows how although NAFTA has delivered an increase in trade, wages have not increased, social programs have been cut, working conditions have become worse and employment rates have risen.
From the Paper
"Much has been said about the positive effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement for all of the countries involved, during the time since its original inception. The benefits to trade have been especially lauded, as have other, perhaps originally unintended effects, such as the increased security of borders between the North American partner countries in a time of concern about terrorism. The agreement has also had its critics, however, in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico--critics who argue that the perceived benefits of NAFTA are far outweighed by its costs. Interestingly, critics in each of the countries involved find arguments to reason that their own country has suffered losses due to NAFTA, when one might expect that the less economically and politically powerful countries, Mexico and, to a lesser extent, Canada, would have suffered all of the negative consequences, while the USA would certainly have seen the benefits. This does not seem to be the case, and it is for this reason that it is not possible to portion out the costs and benefits of NAFTA in an absolute way. "
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Link between the Canadian and American Economies, 2008.
A discussion of the link between the Canadian and American economies, specifically with regard to the US current account deficit.
813 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the spread of the global economy and the greater dependence that the Canadian economy now has on the United States economy. It discusses the foreign investment markets for Canada and looks at the view of the United States with regards to it current account deficit. Finally the paper lists some of the actions that the United States can take for which Canada must be prepared.
From the Paper
"While many analysts predict a fairly painless global adjustment once the US current account seeks a more equitable balance, the increasing uncertainty in the market seems to betray a growing fear of a sudden and profound systemic shock. Researchers point out that the US is currently the greatest investment vehicle for most of the world's leading economies with its current account deficit standing at -22% of GDP (The 1). Yet, framing the current account in this manner does not accurately represent the true disparity in the US economy as opposed to those of its foreign counterparts such as Canada. The US basically considers deficits normal between most of its trading partners and this is definitely the case with Canada. However, this gap is even more severe when examined in relation to specific countries such as China that have created an export economy through the financing US spending: "The United States runs a current account deficit of more than $600 billion per year...foreign central banks...have made substantial purchases of U.S. government bonds to add to their foreign exchange reserves" (Clarida par.3)."
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The Role of America in the Current Global System, 2008.
An examination of America's rivals - political, economic, technological and cultural.
2,830 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that the United States faces a powerful, upcoming challenge from Asian rivals - most of all, from India - that may lead to the end of the Pax Americana by the end of this century. The paper examines how America rose to pre-eminence in the world, in part, because of war; that is to say, the Civil War allowed it to develop a formidable army, infrastructure and communications network, while the Second World War so enervated Europe that the US was able to confidently step into the vacuum. The paper also looks at how America's enemies or rivals can engage the US by fighting a variety of different "wars" that are not military in nature - wars that are technological, economic, political and cultural in nature. The writer suggest that although the pillars of American prosperity and might have been historically durable, shifting currents could change all that. The writer then concludes that ultimately, America must start re-assessing the course it is on or its empire will end up in the dustbin of history.
From the Paper
"The origins of the rise to power of the United States may be found in the nineteenth century. Obviously, this was the century that saw America overwhelm natives at home, settle the vast expanses of the west, capture Texas and New Mexico, and finally resolve the painful slavery issue that had taken so much out of the union for so long. More than that, the nineteenth century was a period in which the country emerged as a formidable military power - ironically because of the very Civil War that resulted in so much carnage. Specifically, the American Civil War was the first war in which "mechanized and electrified devices" like railroad trains, aerial observation, photography, telegraphy, mines, torpedoes, ironclad ships and rifles were all used; in short, these recent innovations were modified and adapted to the exigencies of war."
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Three Financial Econometrics Articles, 2008.
Reviews three related financial econometrics articles.
1,335 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews three articles that discuss some form of financial risk modeling methodology. The articles discussed are "Model-Based Stress Test: Linking Stress Tests to VaR for Market Risk" by Carol Alexander and Elizabeth Sheedy, "Risk and Probability Measures" by Phelem Boyle, and "Realized Volatility and Correlation" by Anderson, Torben, et al.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Article Reviews
Alexander, Carol and Elizabeth Sheedy. "Model-Based Stress Test: Linking Stress Tests to VaR for Market Risk".
Boyle, Phelim. "Risk and Probability Measures."
Anderson, Torben, et al. "Realized Volatility and Correlation."
From the Paper
"Volatility is the focus of all risk modeling in financial analysis because the greater the volatility the greater the risk of the investment or a portfolio exhibiting a high degree of volatility. Anderson et al, in "Realized Volatility and Correlation" describe how volatility has come to dominate risk modeling literature and that this literature has increasingly focused on "higher-frequency data". Thus begins these researchers' quest to attempt to match actual volatility levels with more accurate forecasting techniques."
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State-Led Development vs. Foreign Investment, 2008.
Examines if Third World states should pursue economic development through state-led development or through foreign investments as in the cases of Malaysia and Uganda.
2,490 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that Third World states should pursue state-led economic development over development achieved through foreign investment. The paper states that Third World states that are indebted to other states and organizations will be susceptible to conditional loans and to the withholding of needed aid. The paper relates that countries that insist upon state-led development instead of upon foreign aid/investment are in a better-position to maintain appropriate working standards for domestic workers and to distribute resources to indigenous sectors that will spark economic growth and diversification. The paper then compares Malaysia, a country that tries to avoid reliance upon foreign investment to Uganda, a nation that is heavily dependent upon foreign investment. The paper concludes that Malaysia's approach works better.
From the Paper
"Supporters of foreign investment as a tool for national economic development may be in the minority, but they keep returning to the fact that struggling countries in need of funds have little recourse but to turn to international lending bodies for assistance. They point to the fact that the IMF sanctioned a much-needed three-year, low-interest Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility worth nearly $180 million in Special Drawing Rights for Uganda. The World Bank, in the period 1989-90, also approved additional supplements totaling nearly $300 million."
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The Global Food Market, 2008.
This paper explores the issue of excess foods on the market by discussing the world food trade, dumping and biofuels.
1,348 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the problems that arise with the inexpensive foods that flood the market. The paper first explains how the global food trade can have a negative effect on the agriculture in developing countries. The paper then discusses the possibility of using crops for biofuels and examines the benefits and drawbacks of this solution. The paper concludes by stating that just continuing with the situation as usual is not an option.
From the Paper
"The concept of food trade seems such a simple one on its face. All people must eat in order to survive. If people have a surplus of food, it is better than if they have only a subsistence level of food or an insufficient quantity of food, no matter where that food comes from or what type of food is being produced. Inexpensive food is always better; lower prices mean more people spend less on food and quality of life improves all around. Global trade is better for the food trade because it keeps food prices lower. Finally, more land has to be dedicated to food production. All of these things seem simple and true on their faces, but how reliable are these statements?"
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Economic Realities and Human Freedom, 2008.
An analysis of the philosophies of J.S. Mill, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl Marx with relation to economic realities and human freedom.
2,139 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophies of J.S. Mill, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl Marx. It argues that these philosophers' notions of human freedom are intimately entwined with their respective attempts to address and rectify the increasingly intolerable economic order of the day. More specifically, the paper maintains that Mill's notion of human freedom actually works to preserve the status quo, while Rousseau's and Marx's do not shy away from calling for a complete and systematic overthrow.
From the Paper
"The same can be said of Marx's understanding of nationalism. In The Communist Manifesto, that thrilling duel between bourgeoisie and proletariat, he famously writes that, "The Communists are further reproached with desiring to abolish countries and nationality. The working men have no country. We cannot take from them what they have not got" (Marx and Engels 174). According to Marx, nations and nationalism, like religion, are illusions, as the working poor are barred from participating in the political life of the nations that work to ensure their miserable living standards. Here, Marx erred badly. His instance on the irrelevancy of national differences is, obviously, one of the necessary preconditions for socialist revolution, but the history of the past century emphatically highlighted the link between the poor and nationalism. Poor people are, in fact, far more willing to don uniforms and sacrifice their lives in war than are the sons and daughters of the wealthy, and a casual glance at the disproportionately high representation of this nation's poor in the armed forces attests to the power of nationalism. And yet, Marx would likely argue that illusions, powerful as they may be, are still illusions. Accordingly, much of his work aims to unveil systems of thought that hinder human freedom."
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Free Trade and World Hunger, 2008.
This paper discusses why free trade, as it is presently constituted, does not diminish world hunger.
1,447 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The writer of this article, notes that as trade barriers come down and as the world grows more inter-connected and inter-dependent, it is tempting to suggest that free trade is the antidote to world hunger. This paper explores how free trade globalization has compelled some areas of the globe to specialize or concentrate in the harvesting/cultivation of foodstuffs that are anticipated to sell well in foreign (western) markets or have done so in the past. The writer argues that free trade has not, and will not, as it stands right now, reduce global hunger inasmuch as those markets that have sufficient wealth to "fatten" the bottom lines of agricultural corporations will continue to be catered to, while the economic and health-related needs of the global poor will be cast aside in the quest for profits. The writer concludes that unregulated free markets that do not demand a social conscience on the part of producers or corporations do nothing to alleviate world hunger.
From the Paper
"One other thing that happens is that free trade as it is presently constituted advantages the wealthy populations of the world while disadvantaging the poor peoples of the globe. This occurs because, as we in a free market global economy relentlessly define food productivity by production per unit of labor, any technological or business "advance" that can be implemented in a developing part of the world with the end goal of boosting food production - or at least foodstuff production when it comes to a desirable commodity - is coveted to the exclusion of all other concerns, such as fears of environmental displacement and social/labor dislocation. Suffice it to say, new adaptations may include the aforementioned introduction of new pesticides as well as new forms of bio-engineering; not to be overlooked, food producers may look at the re-deployment of the infrastructural or manufacturing resources of a region in ways that facilitate the production of one or a few types of "in-demand" foodstuffs as opposed to deployments that facilitate the production of many different types of foodstuffs. These so-called "innovations" frequently do little more than result in over-specialization, resource exhaustion, and in a loss of jobs for those who are not involved in the cultivation of in-demand goods."
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The Industrial Revolution, 2008.
Looks at the impact of the Industrial Revolution.
1,455 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the industrial revolution affected the entire world and that the enormity of its impact involves technological, cultural, economic and political changes. The paper then uses symbolic interactionism to study these phenomena, which was comprised of three revolutions. The paper stresses that the key to the industrial revolution was energy, which was essential for all machines. The paper concludes that the impact of the industrial revolution is very similar to the force society currently is experiencing, which is called globalization.
From the Paper
'As a result of the industrial revolution, the costs of food production were substantially reduced. Crop yields initially were increased through the development of farm machinery and then later through the introduction of various chemicals. The industrial revolution introduced a tremendous diversity of choices in terms of products and services. Service industries grew up, among which were the oil companies. Delivery of food and other goods was then facilitated through the construction of highways specially designed for the rapid transport of materials.'
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China, Canada and Petroleum, 2008.
This paper explores China's investment in Canada's petroleum industry.
2,283 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses China's interest in investing in the extraction of oil products from Canada's tar sands. The paper also looks at China's energy needs and how their needs affect the Canadian energy industry. The paper then shows how Canada's petroleum exports are a windfall of unexpected revenues. The paper points out, however, that the price for Canada is a partial sacrifice of industry and perhaps even national sovereignty to China's foreign ownership and investment.
Outline:
Summary Proposal
China's Energy Needs
Canadian Energy Industry
The Economics of China's Investment
Canadian Economic Aspects
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Canada is stated to own some of the second largest oil reserves in the world after Saudi Arabia. These are the tar sands in Western Canada which have been receiving much international interest as well as local interest (Unlocking). Yet, the extent of these oil fields are almost completely limited to vast oil sand fields in Alberta Province of Western Canada ("Canada"). Because of the extremely difficult and expensive nature of recovering and refining these types of oil supplies, Canada, and by extension, the Canadian economy has not benefited greatly from the existence of these oil reserves in the past. This situation has changed over the past several years with the increase in oil prices and the destabilization of the petroleum industry in general which has led to much interest from foreign entities interested in investing in the extraction of oil products from these tar sands with China or Chinese entities being one of the major interested parties."
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The EU and the European Central Bank, 2008.
This paper examines the implications of the Euro in respect to monetary policy in Europe.
2,027 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 16 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the EU's success at integrating monetary policy through the European Central Bank (ECB) as well as economically within the context of a single currency. The paper explains how the Euro has been not only functional, but effective at stabilizing macroeconomic forces within the EU and enabling the EU to approach the international community as a unified force. The paper also looks at the impediments to further economic and political integration of the EU model and concludes that the EU has performed fairly well in an often fractious environment.
Outline:
Overview
The EU and the European Central Bank
EU Monetary Policy
Exchange Rates
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The European Union (EU) has, since its inception, fostered much debate regarding its ultimate success at integrating monetary policy through the European Central Bank (ECB) as well as economically within the context of a single currency. Yet, despite all the debate, the EU finds itself not only functioning but expanding: "European Union enlarges from 15 to 25 members and tries to write itself a first-ever European constitution" (Dale, 2003, para.2). The EU as a political and economic model has its conception in the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 when a union of European states was formalized into the EU; however, the idea of a unified Europe has its roots in the period following World War II when a cohesive European Community was sought to aid in recovery (Harrop, 1998)."
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Nation States Vs. Transnational Corporations, 2008.
This paper explores whether the nation state is still the most powerful actor in global politics.
2,985 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that some nation states are still the most powerful actors in global politics, although the prodigious growth of transnational corporations (TNCs) are eroding the power and sovereignty of many of the less developed nation states. The paper utilizes the USA as an example of a state that remains a powerful actor. The paper concludes, however, that given the powerful economic forces that seem to be moulding current events, it is possible that this will not last forever.
From the Paper
"The question of who holds the power in global politics is clearly of pressing interest and concern, as it is the holders of power who will decide the future of our planet. For example, to take the most obvious and pressing current problem: who will decide what our actions should be on global warming? Will it be democratically elected governments of nation states, who have a mandate to protect the best interests of all their citizens? Or will it be TNCs, which have only one mandate - that is, to make as much money as possible? If it is the latter, then our world is in serious trouble, because the best interests of profiteering and the best interests of our planet's ecology are directly at odds with one another. One cannot prosper without the other suffering, and vice versa - at least, not with our existing technologies (Ellwood)."
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