Using ECOWAS as a Trading Bloc Discuss the Challenges that Coursework

Using ECOWAS as a Trading Bloc Discuss the Challenges that Globalization Poses to Economic Integration - Coursework Example Using ECOWAS as a trading block discuss the challenges that globalization poses to economic integration ECOWAS was established in 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria, with fifteen members joining; it utilizes three languages, English, Portuguese, and French. Its membership has remained stagnant, with only one additional member and one withdrawal. The main objective of ECOWAS is the promotion of economic integration in agriculture, commerce, transport, and natural resources among others. Generally, ECOWAS countries enjoy free movement of goods, which is tariff free, and therefore, reduction of trade barriers is evident among these countries. ECOWAS will be celebrating the 35th anniversary this year, with some of its achievements being suppression of custom duties and taxes, and economic growth. According to Mark, globalization can be defined as the process of continuous integration of countries globally, mainly influenced by technological change and trade liberalization. Technological changes are evident with globalization trend; indeed, improvement in transportation network and technology reduces t he transportation costs. The existence of globalization has fostered international trade, which has led to knowledge acquisition, especially for African countries, and as a result, fostering development in these countries. However, globalization is also accompanied with various challenges, especially to economic integration. ... This paper will discuss the Challenges that globalization poses to economic integration using ECOWAS as a trading block. ECOWAS as a trading block Economic integration involves the abolishment of trade barriers, which include tariff and non-tariff barriers, with an aim of enhancing the flow of goods and services between member nations. ECOWAS’ main aim is economic integration; competition law has been introduced by the organization, which comprises of a set of rules and regulations aimed at encouraging free and fair markets, equal competition condition, promotion of allocative efficiency, maximization of consumer welfare, and ensuring transparency and fairness (ECOWAS, N.d, p.3). Therefore, ECOWAS has regulated competition as a form of ensuring fairness and equality. Economic Integration or regionalism Economic integration enables member states to have a wide selection of goods and services at low costs due to reduced tariffs. In addition, economic integration encourages trade among nations. Moreover, employment opportunities are created through trade liberalization that leads to the expansion of markets. Market expansion yields to investments in other nations, thereby creating job opportunities for citizens of the host country. Countries that trade together can provide solutions for issues such as political instability, which may be affecting a trade partners. The agreement to manage and control trade, monetary policies, and fiscal policies is advantageous; for instance, trade is given a chance to progress, thus, acquisition of goods and services at low costs becomes a possible mission. Such agreements, for instance in ECOWAS, lead to long lasting relationship between countries, which can also lead to

Military Intervention in Turkish Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Military Intervention in Turkish Politics - Essay Example Intellectuals and politicians also voiced out sentiments against the monopolization of political power by a single party. In response to these issues, the president permitted greater freedom for the expression of political opposition. Some members of the RPP took advantage of this and formed the new organization, the Democratic Party. For next four years, the Democrats frequently challenged government policy and were able to attract support by proficiently utilizing the growing popular hostility with the interference of the state in peoples' lives. The state eventually underwent a peaceful transition to a multiparty. The government had undertook agricultural reforms and to improve the standard of living of the peasants. They brought in huge quantities of expensive agricultural machinery, built dams and irrigation canals and constructed a national network of highways that in general helped communication as well as unlock previously remote regions to commercial agriculture. By mid-1950s the economy began to decline and agriculture was devastated by series of droughts. In addition, they faced a problem of spending without planning and importing consumer products and expensive machinery without funds to pay for them. It created annual budget deficits that in turn amounting national debt. The Democrats faced public cr iticism. Eventually, they censor the press, imprison journalists, and shut down offending newspapers which caused violent protest. The government called upon the army to disrupt Republican Party campaign rallies to maintain law and order. However, they didn't want to be turned into a tool of political repression against the state's principle and in time, the intervened and ended the first Turkish republic. Second Intervention Turkey underwent social, economic, and demographic change. There was a rapid urbanization caused by the migration of villagers to cities in search of better economic opportunities. Social and economic transformation, for the most part with the transition from an agricultural to a mixed economy put strain to Turkey's two-party political system, the Republican and Justice. When new governments came to power, the industrialists and peasants, who prospered in the first republic, did not want to lose their status. They formed political parties to represent their particular interests in the national assembly. On the other hand, the industrial workers and university students, Marxists and Muslim revivalists, believed their needs were being ignored. They formed their own organizations and parties through which they hoped to gain a share of political power. The process of institutionalizing interest groups led to a propagation of political parties. Various smaller organizations attracted enough voters to prevent either Justice or the Republicans ahead with absolute majority. The excessive favors granted to the minorities causes social and political disorder and paralyze the legislative process. There was a wave of social unrest marked by street demonstrations,