Department of International RelationsBond University
INTR12-221 (Undergraduate)
Latin America in the International System
Semester 1, 2007
SUBJECT OUTLINE AND INTRODUCTION
Latin America (courtesy of PCL Map Library)
Subject Aims and Objectives:
The subject selectively covers the politics, regional organisations and international role of Mexico, South and Central America. It includes case studies of Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Brazil, Chile and Venezuela, among others. Major themes include the issues of political and economic reform, social crisis and transformation, challenges to democratisation, and the emerging role of economic regionalism, driven by organisations such as Mercosur, NAFTA and the ongoing debate over various free trade areas (such as the FTAA), and competing alternatives. New foreign, security and energy policies are also assessed, looking forward to the region's needs in the 21st century.
Latin America comprises one of the most important regions of the world, interacting intensely with North America and Europe, and comprising a major test case for democratisation, neo-liberal economics, and for new strategies in the developing world. Latin America has demonstrated considerable evolution both in regional institutional building, as well as in grass-root strategies designed to empower ordinary individuals. At the same time, the challenges of inequality and poverty, as well as the legacies of violent political confrontation remain very strong in many of countries. Trends in Latin America will have cross-impact on North America, Europe, North East Asia and therefore on the global system.
This subject complements existing International Relations, Spanish andInternational Businesssubjects. Students may choose seminar and essay topics of particular interest to them. No pre-requisites are needed.
Instructors:
Dr R. James Ferguson (Coordinator and Lecturer)
Guest lecturer: Michael Platzer
Contact Details:
Phone: 55 952520Email:
Subject Timetable:
Lecture: Monday 2-4 pm, C3S07 (Please check latest timetable)
Seminar: Tuesday 3-4 pm C2S23 (Please check latest timetable)
Lecture Program
WeekLecture Topic
1) An Introduction to Latin America in the Global System: Places and Themes
2) Latin America: From Colonisation to Nationalism to Globalisation
3) Mexico in Progress and Crisis: From Cortés to NAFTA
4) Cuba: Revolution, Resistance, and Globalisation
5) Colombia and the Paradox of Intervention
6) Brazil: An Emerging, Revisionist ‘Great Power’?
7) Democracy, Peace Processes and Human Rights (Guest Lecturer)
8) CARICOM and Patterns of Caribbean Development (Guest Lecturer)
9) Regional Organisations and Political Regionalism: The Hemispheric Dream
10) From Mercosur to Free Trade Areas
11) The Latin American Search for Foreign Policy and Security in the 21st Century
12) The Quest for Stability: From Dependence to Interdependence
INITIAL READINGS AND RESOURCES
The subject lecture bloc, handed out in large segments during the course, will provide most essential data.
Textbooks:
FERGUSON, R. James Latin America in the Global System, 2006-2007 (Block of lecture and support materials distributed during the subject, and then later on posted up on iLearn and webistes.)
Recommended further reading:
Voluntary Background Reading could begin with one or more of the following (in BU Library): -
ARCENEAUX, Graig Transforming Latin America: The International and Domestic Origins of Change, Pitttsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Press, 2005
ATKINS, G. Pope, Handbook of Research on the International Relations of Latin America and the Caribbean Boulder, Westview Press, 2001
CHASTEEN, John Charles, Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America, N.Y., W. W. Norton & Company, 2001
DELSNER, Andrea International Relations in Latin America: Peace and Security in the Southern Cone, London, Routledge, 2005
FRIEDEN, Jeffry A. et al. (eds.) Modern Political Economy and Latin America: Theory and Policy, Boulder, Westview, 2000
FUENTES, Carlos The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World, Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1992
GIBSON, Edward S. Federalism and Democracy in Latin America, Baltimore, John Hopkins, 2004
GRINDLE, Merilee & DOMINGO, Pilar (eds) Proclaiming Revolution: Bolivia in Comparative Perspective, Cambridge, Harvard University Press, October 2003
JOSEPH, G.M. & HENDERSON, Timothy J. (ed.) The Mexico Reader: History, Culture, Politics, N.Y., Duke University Press, 2003
MORA, Frank O. & HEY, Jeanne A.K. Latin American and Caribbean Foreign Policies, N.Y., Rowman & Litle Publishers, 2003
PAYNE, J. Mark et al. Democracies in Development: Politics and Reform in Latin America, Inter-American Development Bank, 2002
PEREZ, Louis Cuba: Between Reform and Revolution, N.Y., OUP, 2006
UNGAR, Mark Elusive Reform: Democracy and the Rule of Law in Latin America, London, Lynne Rienner, 2002
General Resources:
Essential data will be provided in lecture handouts. The lecturer will direct you to weekly readings and a range of research materials to supplement these items. See the 'Research Bibliography' below for a selection that will give you an idea of some of the materials available. You will also need to use a range of journals, magazines and newspapers to keep up-to-date. Check databases, reserve and reference shelves, the serials on library shelves, as well as the Internet.
Journals and Magazines (available in various formats):
* The Adelphi Papers
* The Australian
* The Bulletin
* The Economist
* Financial Times
* Foreign Affairs
* Foreign Policy [Internet Access also at
* Futures
* Global Society
* International Affairs
* Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs (via Ebsco Database)
* Latin American Perspectives (Access via Infotrac Database)
* Latin American Politics and Society (via Infotrac Database)
* Latin American Research Review
* NACLA Report on the Americas
* Nepantla (via Ebsco Database)
* Orbis
* Policy
* Survival
* Third World Quarterly
* UNESCO Courier
* World Politics
Internet Resources:
A number of Websites are quite useful, and more are coming on line every month, though these are of variable quality. As usual, it is important to check Net sources for bias, and to use a range of different sources where possible, including books and academic journals. Different specialist sites will be pointed out in lecture handouts. Useful databases and Websites include: -
- Bond University Databases, accessible via Central Search, Infotrac, Factiva, Ebsco and JSTOR (for historical material) are essential tools. They include a wide range of newspapers, magazines and journal articles. It is accessible via Bond University Library via
- Ebrary has a wide range of on-line books, accessible via the databases from Bond University Library via
- The Brookings Institution has a wide range of articles and reports available on-line, including many aspects concerning Latin America and U.S. relations. They can be searched at
- The Centre for International Policy has a range of information, papers and articles on Latin America, especially focusing on Columbia, Central America and the US perspective at
- Central America Daily is an English newspaper covering Latin American current affairs at
- CNN has special Americas coverage at
- A range of useful on-line historical material will be found in the Hispanic Reading Room of (U.S.) Library of Congress, located at
- The International Relations Portal includes a Latin America daily news update, as well as a range of articles, lectures and links concerning international affairs. An education and research site, selected lectures from this subject for 2007 will be loaded onto this site later in the semester. See
- Internet Resources for Latin America provides a quite comprehensive list of news services, articles, and Web resources at
- A comprehensive listing of Latin American newspapers on the Web (some in English) will be found on the Lanic Website at
- Latin American Newsletters contains useful current political analysis at
- Le Monde diplomatic has quite good coverage of Latin America. Their collection is searchable, with about a third of their articles accessible without payment. Located at
- A range of useful information can be accessed through the official Website of the Organisation of American States (OAS) at
- The Rand Corporation has a large number of online articles and some books concerning Latin America, which can be searched at
- Sincronia is a free-access Journal, written in Spanish, studying Latin American culture and politics at
- The Center for Latin American Studies (at Berkeley) has a wide range of working and policy papers on Latin and South America that can be accessed via
Assessment
Grades are awarded on the standard Bond University scale. Students are expected to meet normal academic criteria. Students may use either the footnote or author-date system of referencing so long as this is done consistently (good advice on referencing and writing academic papers will be found at a Essays without references within the body of the paper will not be marked.
Standard academic rules apply to this course. Remember that plagiarism, which is the unacknowledged use of another person's words or ideas, verbatim or paraphrased, will result in severe penalties (see University policy). Please talk to your lecturer if in doubt about these issues. Standard referencing techniques, as taught in the Core Communication Skills subject, in other Bond University International Relations subjects, or formatted via Endnote software are acceptable.
Undergraduate Assessment Breakdown:
Item % Weight Due Date
1. Essay (approx. 2,250 words): 30%*Friday Week 11, 4pm
2. Seminar (approx. 2,250 words): 30%*One week after presentation
3. Exam: 30%Week 14 (Centrally scheduled)
4. Seminar Presentation Mark: 10%As per seminar bookings
*NB: Students, with the written approval of their lecturer, may opt for one long seminar paper of approximately 4,500 words (instead one seminar paper and one essay), so long as the topic is strong enough to carry this length. This long paper is due 4 pm Friday of Week 12.
Note:
All work/assignments must be handed into the HSS Faculty Services Office after 9.00am or before 4.00pm. Any late assignment will not be accepted until the next working day.
All work/assignments must be handed in at the HSS Faculty Services Office unless otherwise specified by the lecturer.
Attendance requirements:
Following normal School requirements, recommended attendance level is 80%, but can be negotiated due to special conditions, e.g. work and research requirements.
Seminar Guidelines
Seminar Presentation: As booked into Seminar Timetable (this will be passed out in the first tutorial, and should be finalised by Week 3). Presentation slots will be available for Weeks 2-11. Note that the oral presentation and the written paper are both required parts of seminar process. Written seminars papers that have not been verbally presented will not be marked.
The aim of the seminars is to 1) expose other students to a wide range of topics, data, research and viewpoints 2) to stimulate thought and discussion on the topic 3) to sharpen presentation and discussion skills 4) to act as a 'risk free' run through of your paper 5) to cover subjects in more detail than can be done in the lectures. They are an integral part of the subject.
After verbal presentation of the seminar, the final version of the seminar paper is submitted one week later. Any ideas or areas for improvement which have been pointed out by the lecturer or other students should be incorporated into the final version of your paper. The seminars also help assess your progress in the subject, so that I can give you help or advice as required. Note, however, that the written up seminar papers should be as well researched and referenced as your essay papers. Both the oral presentation and the written seminar paper are required components of the subject.
A range of themes are briefly indicated below. Choose one of these areas, or see the lecturer to plan an individual topic. Do not choose a seminar topic that is the same as, or overlaps too closely, with your essay question. You will need to do some individual research on this, and use current magazines, papers and journals to cover some issues. See the lecturers, or the librarian, for help in identifying some of these resources.
In the presentation, it is best to provide students with a 'base' information sheet, outlining your topic, the central question, the key facts, and a summary of your conclusion. Include a bibliography of your sources and ensure that you reference these properly. Since there will be 1-2 speakers each week, plan your speaking time for 15 minutes with 5-10 minutes discussion time. You will need to have prepared some key questions to lead this class discussion. You may use video sources, overheads, computer or audio materials but ensure that suitable equipment is available. If you are using video, use short and appropriate film selections. Remember, you will not be assessed on how good a speaker you are, but you do need to communicate your ideas clearly. You will be assessed on your ideas, evidence and arguments. If you have booked in for a week ensure that you present at that time. If you need to re-book a time, see your lecturer in advance. Students will not be allowed to re-book into fully-loaded weeks. Material presented in seminars is an important part of the subject.
Sample Seminar Topics
NB: When choosing a topic, make sure your seminar and essay topics do not directly overlap. Author-date references will be found in the bibliography below. Alternative or adapted seminar topics can be developed in consultation with your lecturer, but written approval in advance is required for an individualised topic. Alternatively, you may choose one of the following topics: -
1. Outline U.S.-Brazil relations since the end of the World War II. What tensions exist in this relationship? (begin with Perry 2000).
2. Is 'democracy' alive and well in Venezuela? What kind of political system has been developed under President Chavez (Start with Levine 1999 & Corrales 2001)?
3. Outline the progress of the conflict between the Colombian government and revolutionary groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). What policies are currently in place to end or control this conflict?
4. Outline the policies and approach of Mexico's new President Felipe Calderon. What are the implications for relations with regional neighbours such as the U.S.?
5. Outline efforts at cooperation between Mercosur and the European Union. Why has this process been so problematic?
6. Are problems of governance in Haiti a regional problem? Outline the international implications of Haiti's social and economic problems (begin with Edwards 2000).
7. 'The problem of poverty and inequality in Latin America, taken on average, has not been solved or even seriously reduced over the last decade.' Critically discuss poverty and inequality, distinguishing long and short-term trends in one or more Latin American countries.
8. What problems confront Nicaragua through to 2004-2006 in rebuilding a viable and stable state? Are new regional and trade policies emerging in 2007 likely to solve these problems?
9. Outline the historical role, size and problems of beef production in Argentina and Brazil. What are the current implications for other major producers such as the U.S. and Australia?
10. Outline the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the economy of Argentina. Is a new approach needed for countries such as Argentina and Ecuador? (begin with Onis 2004)
11. Outline PRC's relationship, economically and politically, with Latin American states such as Venezuela and Brazil. Is this part of a wider Chinese strategy towards the region?
12. Outline the strengths and weaknesses of the Organization of American States (OAS). How can this regional organisation be improved?
13. What form of government is likely be established after Fidel Castro is no longer the leader of Cuba? (begin with Perez 2002). What impact might this have on Cuba's international relations?
14. What role are the Internet and new communications technologies likely to play in the future development strategies in Latin America? What are the social risks of relying on this new tool of communication? (start with Friedman 2005; Everett 1998)
15. What role should indigenous parties play in Latin American politics? Critically discuss using at least two examples. (Being with Madrid 2005)
16. What benefits do countries such as Mexico, Peru and Chile gain from membership in APEC? What are avenues exist engage in the wider Asia-Pacific?
17. What are the prospects for increased trade flows between Australia and Latin America? How would you characterise Australia's relationship with key Latin American states? (Choose one to three case studies to support your analysis.)
18. Outline the Chiapas rebellion and indicate how the rebels have run their international political campaign against the policies of the Mexican government. What are the long term effects of this campaign?
19. Profile the Colombian economy. What are its prospects and potentials?
20. Outline Chile's current foreign policy, indicating its key aims.
21. What are the outstanding legacies of democratic transition from military regimes, e.g. in Argentina, Chile or Brazil? What role should the military play in these countries? (begin with Stanley 2001)
22. What is the meaning of 'mestizo'? What implication does it have for identity politics and national culture of countries such as Mexico? (begin with Fuentes 1992 & Williamson 1992)
23. What role does ethnic music and new musical forms play in projecting culture and identity across national borders, e.g. for Mexico, Cuba or Brazil?
24. What was the legacy of Simón Bolívar? Do his ideas still have influence on Latin America today?
25. Discuss recent political and economic reforms in Peru, including the 2001-2007 period. Are these reforms likely to be successful?
26. Outline the contribution of Afro-Americans in one Latin American country, e.g. Cuba, Brazil or Jamaica. What challenges face these communities today?
27. Analyse the pattern of migration across the Mexico-U.S. border. Can this migration be in any real sense 'controlled', especially with increased trade flows since the NAFTA agreement? (Include comment on policies initiated by President Bush through 2004-2006.)
28. Has the 'war on terror' further militarised the relationship between Latin America and the U.S.? What the implications of this process for the region? (Discuss using key examples.)