POSC 397 ---- Fall 2004
The POLITICS of INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS
Dr. Chris Blake
Maury 207 – 568-6344 – BLAKECH@JMU.EDU
OFFICE HOURS: M 3:30-5, Tu 3-5, W 3:30-5 and by appointment

BLACKBOARD WEBSITE: Click HERE to go to Blackboard for POSC 397

TOPIC:

The FTAA negotiations, like any set of trade negotiations, take place within a specific political and economic context. Within the simulation, each of you will represent trade negotiators from particular countries in the proposed FTAA zone. In this take-home assignment, you will enhance your preparation for the simulation by preparing a background analysis regarding the economic backdrop for your country’s negotiations. Below you will see a detailed outline of the tasks associated with this analysis; you should follow the outline provided in organizing your analysis. The first two sections provide essential background descriptions while the third section calls for an argument on a specific question. To leave space in which to develop your position (and to deal with counterarguments), you should plan on dedicating the first page or so to the two background sections – thereby leaving you with roughly two pages in which to lay out your analysis on the question posed in the third section.

 I. Trade Background [via FTAA text & trade data on course spreadsheet]

·         I.A. Existing Free Trade Agreements
o        What free trade agreements has your country already signed?
o        Which FTAA-zone countries form part of that network? 
o        What percentage of your country’s exports go to these trading partners?  
o        What is the total GDP of these trading partners?  
o        What is the total population in these countries?  
o        What is the average GDP/capita across these countries [divide total GDP by total population to calculate this figure]?

·         I.B. The FTAA Agenda
o        With which countries in the FTAA negotiations will your country be gaining tariff-free access for the first time if the FTAA is created?  
o        What percentage of your country’s exports go to these trading partners?  
o        What is the total GDP of these trading partners?  
o        What is the total population in these countries?  
o        What is the average GDP/capita across these countries [divide total GDP by total population to calculate this figure]?

·         I.C. A Comparison of the Existing Duty-Free Zone to Potential Additions via FTAA
o        Based on existing trade patterns, are the potential new FTAA partners more important or less important than your existing duty-free partners in the hemisphere?  In building a concise argument on this point, consider:
§         the percentage of your exports in the two zones
§         the total GDP of the two zones
§         the total population in the two zones
§         the average GDP/capita in the two zones
§         any other information you find relevant to this issue   

There is no single, “correct” answer to this question.  I want you to build a reasoned, detailed argument for your point of view.  You must take a position on one side or the other of the question posed.  No matter which way you argue in your essay, be sure to include at least three major points in favor of your position and three GOOD counterarguments.  Do not waste everyone’s time by including the counterarguments that are the easiest to attack while avoiding more persuasive positions.  Your essay should make it clear why your reasons are more convincing than the counterarguments.  Use specific information from course readings and the assigned material (and from any outside sources that you deem relevant) to back your assertions.

DUE DATE: 11:15am on Friday, November 5th

**Submit both the electronic file and the paper copy to me by the due date.**
To submit the electronic copy, use the SEND FILE button in Blackboard’s digital dropbox
and name the file after your last name.

            This essay must be typed and double-spaced.  Each page can be no longer than 30 lines and each line cannot exceed 80 characters.  The analysis cannot be longer than three pages. Please include a separate title page with your name, course number, etc.; do not write your name on the three pages containing the essay itself.

            You are not assumed to be a leading expert on these issues. You are required to write a concise, yet comprehensive essay that reflects your thoughtful consideration of the matters at hand. Please manage your schedule so that you have time to proofread and to revise your essay.  Everyone wins when you revise...

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This page was last updated on: 05/20/05.
If you have comments or suggestions about this site, please send an e-mail to Chris Blake at blakech@jmu.edu.