In the 21st century, different countries are experiencing varying levels of development that ranges from political to social and economic, which occurs both in the rural and urban geographical regions. The levels of development that takes place in the various parts of the world can be attributed to issues such as political stability and then use of technology that contributes to high levels of globalization. Despite the countries being in different parts of the world, there are usually issues that influence the development of the countries, which changes as time goes by.
In the last couple of decades, the countries that seemed to be doing good regarding economic development have been seen to remain stagnant, and others that were in the lagging end seem to work towards emulating them and even doing better than them. An excellent example of such countries can be seen located both in the west and in the east of Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Colombia. To be precise, Mexico and Colombia are stated that can be used to demonstrate how they have been fairing regarding development in the last couple of decades. In this piece of work, the concentration will be on comparing the various development concepts that have been experienced in Mexico and Colombia, which seems to be affecting the levels of globalization that are experienced in these countries as well as the challenges that are encountered.
The levels of development in Mexico and Colombia have been seen to be taking a direction that calls for attention from various perspectives. Globalization in the two countries has been advancing at an alarming rate, which directly affects the lives of the people living in these countries. One of the reasons on why the countries can be termed as developing is the fact that they have experienced political stability issues, which, at some point, slow down the development as well as foster development agendas. Taking an example of Mexico, this country has been termed as the one moving towards the horizons of development as far as America and the globe are concerned. From the 1980s, Mexico can be traced to start integrating with the global economy because of the leaders and the government being involved in bilateral treaties that trigger the production in these countries. The development agenda in Mexico was boosted during the reign of the president of the time who wanted to make the country a leader both in America and in the global market.
In 1985, the Mexican government was involved in unilaterally cutting of tariffs and elimination of trade restrictions, which was achieved through the development of policies that foster growth. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) played as main factor and policy for trade growth in Mexico. The result of NAFTA introduction as a policy change, Mexico experienced between eleven and thirty-two percent in 2002 (Audley 43). According to research that was conducted by Hanson, there can be various interpretations regarding the advancements in the country, which include falling of trade and investment barriers that result to rise in income in the region as the country can participate in the global economy. It is an indication that political environment in a country plays a critical in the accomplishment of its development agenda.
Economic development in various parts of Mexico can be attributed to exposure of various regions to aspects of globalization. When regions experience high exposure, there are high chances that the labor earnings will decrease as a result of market limitations that comes along with experience. Those in the rural areas where exposure is low, the trends that are taking place in the economy passes unnoticed which makes the region less competitive in the global market. In this regard, it is clear that the level of exposure to the global concepts of development is directly linked to poverty, which leads to various social and economic issues in the country. For example, when a region experiences high exposure concerning what is taking place in the foreign markets, there is a likelihood that most of the activities that will be experienced will be towards achieving what other countries are doing. Those that have low exposure lag behind as far as development is concerned since there are low levels of know-how on how they can reach the global market.
Mexico can be compared with Colombia, and some differences and similarities can be noted in the way they conduct their activities geared towards achieving globalization despite being located in various parts of the globe. To start with, Colombia can be termed as a country that has been greatly impacted by globalization, which can be attributed to the relationships that have been established with the nations that demonstrate global interdependence. The relationships that are mostly developed are with countries that depend significantly on mining and energy exports.
As initially mentioned in the case of Mexico where it is seen to gradually develop and has not been in a position to be placed in the global ranking, Colombia has been placed in the global ranking as the fourth largest exporter of coal in the world according to CIA World Factbook. Coal mining and export in Colombia can be attributed to economic stability that is achieved through a political environment that is favorable to production and export of the coal (Mason 97). Most of the exports are mainly done to South American and Europe countries. The export of products that are produced locally has created room for strong relationships between countries, which have extended to countries like China.
Globalization in Colombia can not only be viewed from the advantageous side of it since there are aspects that negatively affect the economy. A good example of such globalization is the exportation of cocaine among other illicit drugs in the economy. The cartels make a good amount of money from the illegal business which tarnishes the reputation of the country. In Colombia, various cases of violence are experienced as a result of drug trafficking negative impacts. The negative impacts can be attributed to the reluctance of the government to restrict the illegal trade in the economy because the majority of the cartels have a close relationship with the government. Most of the countries today tend to avoid trade agreements with Colombia as well as putting restrictions to the traders who are involved in the trade with the country. When hindrances are put in the course trade between countries, the economy becomes unstable, and the demand for the products drop, which affects the country. It is the case in Colombia where restrictions are implemented, which lowers the prices of oil in the global market and affects the economy negatively.
Technological advancements in both Mexico and Colombia have played a critical role in globalization to the countries. In the global perspective, technology has turned out to be a tool that facilitates interaction and communication between trade partners. Apart from communicating with the trade partners, through the internet, people located in various parts of the country are in a position to learn new ways of living, which eventually makes the world adopt various cultures which positively impact the life (Lara and Carrillo 111). There are famous musicians as well as sportsmen who have entirely depended on the internet to achieve their goals in life. It implies that there is an intercultural interaction that is achieved which not only affect the economy positively and negatively. Positive in the sense that new methods of production can be incorporated which makes the GDP of a country move up. Negatively, intercultural experience affects the economy by making the introducing vices and new heights of crime in the society as it has been experienced in Mexico and Colombia.
From the comparison of the various development concepts that have been experienced in Mexico and Colombia levels of globalization have been experienced in these countries as well as the challenges that have been encountered influencing the economy both negatively and positively. Globalization in the two countries has been advancing at an alarming rate, which directly affects the lives of the people living in these countries. Colombia can be termed as a country that has been greatly impacted by globalization, which can be attributed to the relationships that have been established with the countries that demonstrate global interdependence. The political environment in a country plays a critical in the accomplishment of its development agenda. Technological advancements in both Mexico and Colombia have played a critical role in globalization to the countries.