2. Power of the European Union (EU) EU is trying to bring in the regions of the Warsaw Pact into the first world EU continues to take in at least one country per year from the former Soviet Union since the 1990s, which is ultimately making it easier to migrate and travel EU has formed itself into a heterogeneous empire stretching far and wide Nations in the EU have become part of the world’s only superstate and are able to thus exert massive influence More than exerting power, the countries of the EU spend billions to redo the infrastructure of its newest members EU also wants to develop new markets so that there is a decreased reliance upon exports to the United States However, what is most important is that the EU does not simply dominate over the nations; rather it works with the nations and disciplines it so that it is a cooperation the EU is easily the most successful empire EU understands that it needs to continue to expand in order to maintain its dominance; critics say that EU can continue to grow until it has fully replaced the disassembled Soviet Union The EU must also cooperate with the United States in order to counter the increasing dominance of China; however, the EU is still more powerful than the United States in several matters, including its humanitarian efforts
3. Mexico: Independence in the Future? Putting NAFTA into effect was supposed to propel Mexico into the first world; however, when it went into effect the Zapatista National Liberation Army began an all-out insurgency in order to bring attention to the farmers Mexico continues to reside under the power of America Very diverse in terms of economy and does not want to rely upon a single commodity; manufactured goods = 80% of exports However, more jobs are being outsourced to China, causing a tremendous unemployment rate massive increase in immigration to the United States 4 separate regions of Mexico with different types of geography, economy, etc. that prompt different forms of politics Towns and villages on the border with the United States are filled with robbery, murder, and drug trafficking Immigration, both legal and illegal, will continue to be a major problem as the economy of Mexico remains in a rut in a majority of the regions where a majority of the citizens live in poverty It is highly unlikely that Mexico will not need the help of other nations, particularly that of the United States and nations of Latin America, anytime in the near future because its economy cannot stand alone; along with the poor economy, Mexico has high rates of unemployment and its major products in the modern economy are drugs and guns
4. Argentina: Fall from First Argentina was once South America’s leader, but has become increasingly more fragile by the forces of globalization Advantageous climate and resources 1920s, Argentina was 7th richest nation in world due to its thriving production of beef and wheat, high incomes Not harmed by WWII became a destination for immigrants Leadership of Perónimproved labor conditions, but fractured the country and brought about a “dirty war” that killed almost 15,000 Per capita income dropped from 1990s to 2002 and over half of the population lived below poverty Now is increasingly dependent on foreign investment – clearly not a sign of a first-world nation Resistant to America’s high-tariff and heavy-subsidy policies and would gain much more from trade with China than other countries Argentina may soon become a first-rate nation in due time if it can get its economy under control in order to help its citizens
5. Jordan: Stuck in the Middle Geographically trapped; stuck in the middle of Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iraq if Jordan falls apart, these countries will take what they can Cold War buffer state used by the West to block against Soviet expansion One of the first Arab countries to establish relations with Israel Typically acts as a buffer state and takes in refugees; maintains strong relations with its neighbors, especially Iraq which allows Jordanians to sell their produce and goods there Very little resources, including oil, gas, and fresh water Free trade agreement with the United States and has positive economic contact with Israel forming the Qualified Industrial Zones Most of the population centered around Amman, leaving the majority of the areas neglected and run-down Jordan is able to remain a strong, stable nation through its economic treaties, but always must be watching its back to prevent against attacks that could essentially split the nation 5 different ways
