Question

Mexico and Brazil are two major nations in Latin America. Think of the problems that these countries have faced, and

research one country using the Internet resources listed. Then answer the questions that follow:
Mexico Resources
The CIA World Fact Book Mexico
US Agency for International Development: Mexico
The World Bank: Mexico
Brazil Resources
The CIA World Fact Book Brazil
US Agency for International Development Brazil
The World Bank Brazil
Questions
1 What problems has the country faced?
2. How has the nation tried to address the problems?
3. Propose an alternative solution to addressing the problems. Why do you think that plan might work?

Answer 1

Mexico has faced many problems throughout its history. A single political party dominated the political scene for most of the twentieth century. While the country became strong under single party rule, citizens could not participate freely in politics. Tribal minorities face violence and discrimination. Drug cartels wield considerable power, and organized crime and corruption is widespread.

In recent times, the government has used the military to fight drug-related and other organized crimes. However, the military has violated people's human rights, and many members of the military and police are linked to criminal groups. So, the country has not made much progress against crime.

Many of Mexico's criminal groups have international wings. The biggest markets for drugs are the United States and other Latin American countries. One solution to the drug problem would be for the government to clamp down on criminal activity by guarding the borders and placing more checks on foreign trade. Instead of using the military, the government should try to rebuild the police force with a strict selection process. The government should also encourage the media to expose organized crime, and it should pass laws to protect journalists.

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Answer 2

1 What problems has the country faced?

Both Mexico and Brazil have faced problems related to public safety. Mexico has more of an organized crime proble, with powerful cartels operating all over the country, while Brazil has less organized criminal organizations, but even more crime.

2. How has the nation tried to address the problems?

Both Mexico and Brazil have tried to face the problem with police, and even, military actions. Both countries have had some limited success because most policies tend to be highly ineffective due to corruption, lack of funding, or simply difficulty of the task.

3. Propose an alternative solution to addressing the problems. Why do you think that plan might work?

Mexico should try perhaps to negotiate agreements with the cartels because they have perhaps become all too powerful to be faced.

Brazil should focus on more effective police actions in the least safe areas.