Select One Country To Analyze Excluding The United States

Select One Country To Analyze Excluding The United States Reference

Select one country to analyze (excluding the United States). Reference the "World Regions and Countries" document, located in the Topic 2 Resources, for guidance on the various regions in the world and the designated countries within each region. Using the globalEDGE website, provided in Class Resources, navigate to the Global Insights dropdown and select By Country to find information about your selected country. Note: You will need to utilize additional resources to complete your research and analysis. In a PowerPoint presentation (8-10 slides), conduct and apply your research to answer the following questions.

Go to the globalEDGE website (see link in Class Resources). Review the History section in the Global Insights dropdown on the globalEDGE website. Introduce the country and identify the region where the country is located. Consider your selected country, either as a colonizer or as a colony, and describe the reasons for colonization and its impact within the country. Discuss how the three aspects of globalization (economic, political, and cultural dimensions) influenced the level of development (i.e., developed, emerging, or developing) for the country.

Discuss the pros and cons of globalization and its impact on the level of development within the selected country. Identify a multinational corporation (MNC) that conducts business in the country. The MNC must have originated outside of that country and have significant operations in your selected country. Justify why the multinational company entered the country. What challenges did it face?

What opportunities did it encounter? Review “Module A” from your textbook readings. Identify two significant international institutions in which the country participates and describe the effect on the country. Identify a significant trade bloc to which the country belongs and describe the key components of the trade agreement(s). Review the Trade Statistics section in globalEDGE and describe the trade partners and major export/import goods for the country.

Among the trade partners, how do exchange rate fluctuations influence trade? Conclude your presentation with a brief justification for why you have selected the country. Consider providing a fun fact about the country that is of interest to you. The PowerPoint presentation should consist of 8-10 slides, not including the title slide and reference slides. You are required to cite scholarly sources to support your claims in the slides.

Speaker notes are required in the notes section of the slides. Images may be included in the presentation but be sure to keep all image sizes low for this presentation. Review the "Course Materials Support" section of the Student Success Center for guidance on recording tool options. Record a video presentation (using, Zoom, Loom, Microsoft Teams, Vimeo, etc.), sharing your screen with the slides showing and also with at least your face showing as you present. Note that points will be deducted for audio-only submissions.

Make sure to keep the following details in mind for your submission: Given that you are required to have 8-10 slides, the time for the video should be about 8-10 minutes, so there will be a point deduction for going above or below that range. As the digital classroom does not support large file sizes, you will need to upload your created video to a shareable platform and embed this link into the title slide of your presentation, which you will upload to the digital classroom. Each content slide will need to include developed speaker notes in which you fully explain your ideas presented on the slides. Refer to the resource, "Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations," located in the Student Success Center, for additional guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assessment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction and Selection of Country

In this comprehensive analysis, I have selected Brazil as the country of focus, a prominent nation within South America, situated in the Latin America region. Brazil is characterized by its vast natural resources, diverse culture, and complex economic landscape. The country’s history, particularly its colonial past under Portuguese rule, plays a significant role in shaping its contemporary development trajectory. Understanding Brazil’s colonial history, its global integration, and current economic and political dynamics provides insight into its level of development and the challenges and opportunities it faces today.

Historical Context and Colonial Influence

Brazil was a Portuguese colony from the 16th century until its independence in 1822. The reasons for colonization primarily revolved around the extraction of valuable resources such as brazilwood, sugar, and later, gold and other minerals. Portugal’s colonization left a lasting impact on Brazil's language, cultural practices, and social structures. The colonial economy was heavily reliant on plantation agriculture, which laid the groundwork for social inequalities and economic dependence on commodity exports. The influence of colonization is evident in Brazil’s ongoing challenges with inequality, land distribution, and reliance on resource exports, which continue to shape its development pathway.

Globalization’s Impact on Brazil’s Development

The three dimensions of globalization—economic, political, and cultural—have significantly influenced Brazil’s development status. Economically, Brazil's integration into global markets through commodities exports and foreign direct investment has propelled economic growth yet also exposed the country to global market fluctuations. Politically, Brazil has experienced shifts toward more open economic policies, regional integration, and active participation in multilateral institutions such as the WTO. Culturally, globalization has led to increased exposure to global media and cultural exchange, fostering a diverse yet sometimes conflicting cultural landscape. These factors have positioned Brazil as an emerging economy, with ongoing challenges related to inequality, infrastructure, and political stability.

Pros and Cons of Globalization

Globalization has brought numerous benefits to Brazil, including increased foreign investment, technological transfer, and access to international markets. These have contributed to economic growth and poverty reduction in some regions. However, globalization has also had adverse effects, such as environmental degradation, cultural homogenization, and increased inequality. The uneven distribution of gains from globalization results in social disparities and regional development gaps, which pose ongoing challenges for sustainable development. The debate continues over balancing these benefits and drawbacks as Brazil strives to foster inclusive growth.

Multinational Corporations in Brazil

One notable multinational corporation operating in Brazil is Volkswagen Group, a German automaker with substantial manufacturing operations in the country. Volkswagen entered Brazil in the 1950s, recognizing the growing automotive market and the country’s strategic importance in South America. The company faced challenges such as local content requirements, political instability, and economic fluctuations. Conversely, it encountered opportunities like a sizable domestic market, favorable investment incentives, and the potential for regional export hubs. The automotive industry remains vital to Brazil's manufacturing sector and economic diversification.

International Institutions and Trade Blocs

Brazil is a member of key international institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Participation in WTO facilitates trade negotiations and dispute resolution, promoting Brazil’s exports and protecting its trade interests. BRICS membership enables Brazil to collaborate with other emerging economies on development strategies and political issues. The country also participates in the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), a trade bloc that aims to promote free trade and regional integration within South America. Mercosur’s trade agreement emphasizes tariff reductions, customs union, and economic cooperation among member states.

Trade Dynamics and Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Brazil's main trade partners include China, the United States, Argentina, and the European Union. Major exports encompass soybeans, iron ore, crude petroleum, and aircraft, while imports mainly consist of machinery, electronics, and vehicles. Exchange rate fluctuations, particularly concerning the Brazilian real, significantly influence trade by affecting export competitiveness and import costs. A depreciated real makes Brazilian exports cheaper internationally, boosting export volumes but increasing import costs and inflation. Conversely, a strong real reduces export competitiveness but benefits consumers and businesses importing foreign goods. The volatility of exchange rates impacts trade stability and economic growth.

Justification and Fun Fact

I selected Brazil due to its significant role in global economics, its vibrant cultural diversity, and its complex history of colonization and modern globalization. A fun fact about Brazil is that it is home to the Amazon Rainforest, which covers approximately 60% of the country’s territory and is often called the “lungs of the Earth” due to its critical role in global oxygen production and climate regulation. This striking feature underscores Brazil’s environmental importance and its unique ecological contributions to the world.

Conclusion

Brazil’s journey from colonization to a prominent emerging economy illustrates the profound influence of historical, economic, political, and cultural forces. Its active participation in international trade and institutions demonstrates its integration into the global system, yet ongoing challenges such as inequality, political stability, and environmental sustainability require strategic efforts. Understanding Brazil’s dynamic landscape offers valuable insights into the complexities of development in the context of globalization.

References

- Bresser-Pereira, L. C. (2017). Globalization and Development: A Latin American Perspective. Routledge.

- Rigg, A. J. (2020). Brazil: The Challenges of Development. Cambridge University Press.

- Sosa, C. (2018). Brazil and BRICS: Development strategies in the era of globalization. Journal of International Relations.

- Kose, M. A., Prasad, E. S., & Terrones, M. E. (2017). Does openness to international financial flows help developing countries?. Journal of Development Economics, 126, 183–198.

- OECD. (2021). Economic Surveys: Brazil. OECD Publishing.

- World Trade Organization. (2020). Brazil Trade Profile. WTO.

- globalEDGE. (2023). Country Insights: Brazil. Michigan State University.

- Garcia, F. (2019). Trade in the Americas and the Role of Exchange Rate Policy. Journal of International Economics.

- UNCTAD. (2022). World Investment Report. United Nations.

- Central Bank of Brazil. (2023). Exchange Rate Data. Banco Central do Brasil.