This thesis examines the last circa twenty years of Venezuelan politics and economics with a focus on populism. It seeks to understand the central cause of the current economic, social and...Show moreThis thesis examines the last circa twenty years of Venezuelan politics and economics with a focus on populism. It seeks to understand the central cause of the current economic, social and political crises. The paper poses the hypothesis that populism answers questions in this debate alternative explanations cannot. It argues that populism has been the underlying tool that legitimized and consolidated the government’s political and economic actions even in the light of overspending, mismanagements and anti-democratic adjustments. However, the paper acknowledges that there can be sound alternative explanations as well if one only considers central planning without incorporating populism. The thesis concludes that the current crisis is an ideology-made one.Show less
Since the middle of the 20th Century, Brazils economy has suffered from underinvestment in infrastructure. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the countries ports, and in particular the biggest...Show moreSince the middle of the 20th Century, Brazils economy has suffered from underinvestment in infrastructure. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the countries ports, and in particular the biggest port in the country: the Port of Santos. This thesis analyses how investment into the Port of Santos's infrastructure could improve the efficiency and productivity of the port, and consequently the Brazilian economy overall. Recommendations are made as to how this investment should be made, and from where funding should come.Show less
This thesis will thoroughly analyze the development of the Mexican economy since its market reform to see whether these reforms have led to the expected growth rates in exports, and – more...Show moreThis thesis will thoroughly analyze the development of the Mexican economy since its market reform to see whether these reforms have led to the expected growth rates in exports, and – more importantly - whether this export growth has translated into better living conditions, as neoclassical theory suggests it would. By testing the premises of neoclassical theory, this thesis explores whether a developing country integrating into the global economy might need different policies than those countries that have already established a strong position in the world market. This, in turn, could reveal the underlying structures that hinder Latin American countries – Mexico, in particular – to achieve long-term, stable growth rates in a neoliberal international order.Show less
Ecuador became the first country in the world to acknowledge the rights of nature in the constitution. However, Ecuador is dependent on the revenue generated by the export of (crude) oil. The...Show moreEcuador became the first country in the world to acknowledge the rights of nature in the constitution. However, Ecuador is dependent on the revenue generated by the export of (crude) oil. The regions where the oil deposits are located are found in fragile ecological environments, the Amazon rain forest for example. These regions are also home to many indigenous communities. These communities belong to the poorest section of Ecuadorean society, and the communities are also the first to be negatively affected by the exploitation of the oil fields. This essay strives to explain the effects of constitutional rights of nature on the economic position of the country. Environmental, and ecological challenges have risen to prominence in recent years. A majority of countries have signed the Paris Climate Accord in 2016. Ecuador was the first country to enshrine the rights of nature in the constitution. Other countries might follow and therefore research is needed to learn from the Ecuadorean experience. A special focus must lie on the trade position of developing countries when developing ecological policies, or rights of nature. Because trade is needed to develop and might clash with the intention of nature conservation.Show less
