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Showing posts from June, 2024

Event Planning and Business Entertainment in the U.S. Corporate World

A liberal democracy can survive for a while on institutional strength and widespread agreement. As long as most people are generally satisfied with how things are going (or have made peace with the status quo), it is easy to imagine that something like a social contract will keep things on track. Hamish MacAuley makes a persuasive case that many Canadians came of age politically between the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the 2008 financial crisis, when consensus was widespread and politics seemed optional, thus many chose to stay out. We abandoned democratic governing habits during prosperous times. Instead, we played politics. In response, McGill's Jacob T. Levy advocates for political action that rejects the status quo while also refusing to burn it all down or take our ball and go home. We should participate in politics, even if it is unsatisfying. When the foundations of our democratic structure or the rights of vulnerable people are jeopardized, it makes sense to delegate aut

Brazil and the USA: A Comparative Look at Urban Life

  National economies are propelled by cities These spaces are attractive to the most productive firms and the most talented workers due to the agglomeration advantages they generate, which are the primary cause for their existence. This environment is conducive to growth and development. Cities promote economic advancement by facilitating the sharing, matching, and learning of individuals and businesses through their high density (DURANTON; PUGA, 2004). Furthermore, Marshall (1890) asserted that ideas are "in the air," which implies that the mere concentration of individuals could result in novel outcomes. The functional role of each city in an urban system is contingent upon its ability to provide more specialized products and services to the surrounding areas (LÖSCH, 1964; CHRISTALLER, 1966). Given that population development enhances the capacity to generate economies of agglomeration and market potential, the centrality level of cities is also correlated with population s

Brazil-U.S. Relations: Cooperation or Conflict?

  The relationship between the United States and Brazil is intricate and profound, with persistent issues that both bolster and strain the relationship. Nevertheless, the context in which these issues are situated has undergone a significant and swift transformation. In each of these cases, the challenges have been exacerbated by both domestic and international trends: democracy and governance; climate change; criminality; and sustainable development. In order for the relationship to progress, it will be necessary for both parties to adjust. However, there is an additional obstacle: the two nations hold divergent perspectives on the changing international order, particularly in relation to China's role. In order to further its global ambitions, Brazil must revise its comprehension of the geopolitical dynamic in which it is currently situated. In the same vein, if Washington desires a more intimate relationship with Brazil, it must abandon any aspiration to entice Brazil to join an

How Brazil and the USA Compare in Social Policies

  The analysis of public policies and programs in the United States is as ancient as the practice of public policy-making (Munger, 2000). The Federalist Papers may be considered the most conspicuous illustration of a comprehensive examination of potential public policy. Nevertheless, the utilization of "expert analysis" to assess the efficacy of public policies and initiatives is a relatively recent development (Munger, 2000). A scientific approach to the study of public policy can be traced back to the mid-twentieth century, as per DeLeon (2006:39). Generally, the academic discipline known as the study of public policy was derived from the policy sciences approach, according to the majority of sources. The policy sciences approach has been predominantly attributed to the work of Harold D. Lasswell, who wrote in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His essay "The policy orientation," which served as the opening chapter of Lasswell and Daniel Lerner's The Policy Scien

Economic and Cultural Parallels: Brazil and the USA

  The United States and Brazil are the greatest democracies in the Americas Both nations have economies that are both dynamic and diverse, as well as shared values and interests. Their populations are culturally and ethnically diverse. Comprehensive and institutionalized, the bilateral relationship is founded on a strong history of partnership. The 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations will be commemorated in 2024. Simultaneously, Brazilian corporations are increasing their investments in the United States to increase their production capacity, obtain new technologies, and expand their operations globally. The number of business excursions, student exchanges, and cultural activities has also contributed to the increased significance of people-to-people ties. On February 10, 2023, President Lula visited Washington, DC, at the invitation of President Biden. Both leaders emphasized that the bilateral agenda is centered on the promotion of respect for human righ

Are Brazil and the U.S. Allies or Adversaries?

   Brazil’s Energy and Climate Change Agenda Brazil's energy and environmental profiles have established it as a key worldwide player in two of the most pressing and interconnected global issues: energy security and climate change. Brazil is poised to become a significant exporter of diverse energy products, with as many as 50 billion barrels of oil beneath Brazilian waters, 167 million barrels of annual ethanol production (with plans to increase output to more than 400 million barrels by 2019), hydroelectric dams that supply up to 75% of Brazilian electricity, and the world's sixth-largest proven uranium reserves. A potential oil bonanza has sparked major worldwide interest. In 2010, Petrobras, the Brazilian energy firm, raised $70 billion in the world's largest public share offering. Brazil's pre-salt discoveries (oil contained in rocks beneath a salt layer deep off the coast) are expected to have a significant impact on the country's economy and politics, as well

Brazil-U.S. Relations: A Current Assessment

   Domestic Constraints Brazil's progress in addressing long-standing issues such as poverty and inequality is clear. Brazil's growing middle class, significant deepwater oil discoveries, and forthcoming major international athletic events all boost expectations and provide new problems. Its principal goals for the next decade are to absorb and build on its achievements while also reducing residual socioeconomic gaps. Brazil's performance on these metrics will have a substantial impact on its economic growth, as well as how it is perceived worldwide. Brazil's long-term ability to compete on the global stage with countries such as China and India is dependent on improving infrastructure, raising the quality of basic education, increasing the number of skilled laborers who supply burgeoning Brazilian industries, and creating socially and environmentally sustainable conditions in which innovation and small businesses can thrive. If it fails to fulfill these difficulties, i

Analyzing the Diplomatic Ties: Brazil and the U.S.

   Brazil's Economy: Engines and Obstacles Brazil's economic growth drives both local achievements and most of its foreign agenda. Brazil's constantly increasing economy propelled the South American powerhouse into the global spotlight, initially among investors looking for an emerging market. Brazilians believe that the country's successful blend of capitalism and social democracy warrants the promotion of these ideals and Brazil's economic interests overseas. As a result, Brazil has converted its home economic strength into international commercial and diplomatic might, which it wields in most parts of the world. Sound macroeconomic policies, increased access to capital inflows, a shift from an import- to export-led economy, and a lengthy period of low commodity prices and easy financing conditions have all contributed to a dramatic economic and social transformation in recent years. Brazil's GDP per capita is currently twice as high as it was ten years ago, a

Two Nations, One Future: Brazil and the U.S.

   Introduction Brazil has advanced from its position as Latin America's largest and most resource-rich country to become one of the world's most powerful nations. Brazil is not a conventional military power, does not compete with China or India in terms of population or economic size, and cannot match Russia's geopolitical history.  These internal achievements boost Brazil's agenda on a global scale. Brazil has leveraged its own advantages and triumphs to improve its position in fields such as energy and climate change, peace and security, and trade and finance. Understanding and developing a strategy to aid the success of this new Brazil is beneficial to the United States. Current U.S. policy toward Brazil According to President Obama's prior statements, US policy toward Brazil is based on engagement and "mutual interest and mutual respect," with the belief that a strong relationship promotes both the United States and Brazil's interests. However, US

Pharmaceutical Regulations: A Comparative Study of US and Brazil

  In-depth knowledge is necessary to navigate the intricate legal framework of the Brazilian pharmaceutical market In order to manufacture, import, and sell pharmaceuticals in Brazil, companies must obtain specific licenses and sanitary permits from the National Health Regulatory Agency ("ANVISA") and local/regional health agencies in advance. Companies must acquire approval of the Price for specific categories of drugs from the Drug Market Regulation Chamber ("Chamber") after receiving a Marketing Authorisation ("Authorisation"). The country's drug price control model is characterized by government-imposed price ceilings. There is currently no public mechanism in place to reimburse drug development expenses and/or drug prices. The majority of individuals are able to access medications under the Brazilian health system ("System") at no cost, as it is public. The Brazilian Government ("Government") acquires medicines through public t

US Immigration Policies and Brazilian Workforce Dynamics

  A persistent economic crisis in Brazil which has been further exacerbated by civil and political unrest, has been a significant factor in the emigration of individuals, including to the United States. Despite the fact that the number of Brazilian immigrants in the United States has been increasing for the past four decades, the magnitude and geography of these migrations have rendered the past decade distinctive. Brazil experienced an economic recession that was characterized by elevated unemployment rates that commenced in 2012. Simultaneously, the nation experienced an increase in crime, highly publicized corruption scandals, and an increase in political instability. The United States has become an increasingly appealing destination due to the increasing food insecurity among Brazilians, the steep appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Brazilian real, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2010 and 2019, the Brazilian immigrant population in the United States increa