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Explore the unequal development model in North and South America, focusing on major powers like the US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Learn about economic strengths, trade dynamics, and social inequalities shaping the continent.
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Theme 3 : Geographical Issues on a Continental Scale North and South America
The Americas: fractures, competition & integration – The American Continent between tensions and regional integration
Key question: • To what extent does the American continent portray a model of unequal development?
A. North America: Major Pole of the Triad • US and Canada are the two major powers of North America • Trade between the 2 nations has doubled since the creation of NAFTA • Competition remains strong • Heavy industry, automobile, lumber • Canadian economy very dependent on US market
2. US economy the most powerful and most diversified in the world • On continental scale, embody an attractive model of a superpower giant • Top investors in the continent, esp Canada & Mexico
3. Canada: rich in natural resources and major exporter of raw materials • SE Canada contains major metropolises (Toronto & Montreal) • Its extensive integration in the US contributed to the emergence of a vast cross-border region Main Street • Canada’s Huge Heartland • agricultural • mining (iron, copper, nickel) • Energy (hydroelectricity, petroleum)
B. Integration of emerging countries in globalization • Brazil stands out as the regional power of South America • 1st country in FDI on the subcontinent, acts as a counterweight to US domination • Marked by major social inequalities
2. Mexico, Argentina and Chili sometimes referred to as “Jaguars” • Mexico • 1st foreign investor 2nd recipient of FDI in Latin America • Proximity of US • asset (exports) & drawback (dependence) • Role model of insertion in the world economy • Chile (Copper, fruit) & Argentina (Wheat, soy bean) • Major exporters of raw materials and agricultural foodstuffs
3. Venezuela, Columbia & Perudependent on exporting raw materials • Venezuela • 7th world petroleum exporter • Holds largest oil reserves on the planet • Peru • GDP tripled from 2000 to 2010 • Columbia • Exports coffee and coal
GDP of Countries in North and South America Source: IMF 2010