University of the West Indies, Mona

Department of Government

GT34A Contemporary International Relations of the Caribbean

Lecturer: Dr. D. Thorburn

gt35m@hotmail.com

 

Summer 2004 Essay Questions

 

  1. In March 2004, it was reported that Dominica had broken ties with Taiwan in favour of a diplomatic relationship with mainland China. How are we to understand this in the context of Caribbean foreign policy and international relations?
  2. What was the CARICOM position on the U.S. invasion of Iraq? How are we to understand this position in the context of Caribbean foreign policy and international relations?
  3. The WTO meeting in Cancun ended in failure. What role did the Caribbean play in that meeting? How are we to understand this role in the context of Caribbean foreign policy and international relations?
  4. Border disputes are a dominant theme in Caribbean international relations. Explain the background to the major contemporary border disputes, and offer an informed opinion as to whether or not these disputes constitute a serious security or diplomatic threat in the region.
  5. To what extent do you think that Suriname’s membership in CARICOM will be of benefit to either Suriname and/or other CARICOM members?
  6. A joint statement on January 13, 2004 by the United States of America, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic on the Third Border Initiative stated in part:

We recognize that the increasing global integration of the economic and financial domains facilitates the free movement of capital across borders. Taking advantage of this increasing integration, money laundering and other financial crimes create an environment where corruption, terrorist financing and attendant illegal practices may thrive.  We will therefore continue to support Caribbean efforts to expand a financial services industry and increase its competitiveness, while adhering to international standards and transparency in its operations.

Give a critical analysis of this statement, making sure to discuss the challenges and contradictions inherent within it, in the context of contemporary Caribbean international relations.

  1. In March 2004, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body ruled in favour of Antigua in a dispute with the US over the legality of internet gambling. A Gleaner columnist characterized the issue as “David v. Goliath”. Critically analyse the case, and this characterization, in the context of Caribbean international relations, past and present.
  2. A Regional Security System (RSS) exists between Barbados and the six independent countries of the Leeward and Windward Islands. Assess the relevance and feasibility of this entity in the current international environment, making sure to account for the background to its creation.