The Economics of Migration

Our third and final installment of Over The Borderline stays below the U.S. southern border to look at the economic factors that contribute to mass migration from Central and South American countries specifically. We look at the root economic causes of migration, the U.S. failure to meaningfully partner with LAC nations to promote mutually beneficial economic conditions and the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Latin America and the geopolitical impact that’s having on our relationships.

00:00 - 01:38 - Introduction
01:38 - 05:19 - Chapter One: We’re not the only America: Latin America’s Rich and Diverse Economy
05:19 - 10:41 - Chapter Two: Conquest: How the U.S. chose exploitation over partnership
10:41 - 18:28 - Chapter Three: Belts, Roads and Blinders. How U.S. foreign policy allowed China to usurp our interests in the LAC
18:28 - 24:17 - Chapter Four: The economic causes of migration
24:17 - 24:53 - Credits

Glossary of Key Terms:

Washington Consensus (WC): The Washington Consensus refers to a set of economic policies promoted by international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank in the 1980s and 1990s. It advocates for free-market reforms, privatization, deregulation, and fiscal discipline in developing countries to promote economic growth and stability.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Foreign Direct Investment occurs when a company or individual from one country invests in business interests in another country. It involves a significant level of ownership and control, distinguishing it from portfolio investment. FDI can bring capital, technology, and expertise to the host country, stimulating economic development.

Dutch Disease: Dutch Disease is an economic phenomenon where a boom in natural resource exports leads to currency appreciation, making other sectors less competitive and causing economic imbalances. It is named after the Netherlands' experience in the 1960s following the discovery of natural gas, which led to a decline in manufacturing and other export industries.

Resource Curse: The Resource Curse, also known as the paradox of plenty, describes the negative impact of abundant natural resources on a country's economic and political development. It often leads to corruption, conflict, weak institutions, and economic stagnation, as governments become overly reliant on resource revenues and neglect other sectors of the economy.

Free Trade Agreements (FTA): Free Trade Agreements are agreements between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate barriers to trade, such as tariffs and quotas, between them. FTAs aim to promote economic growth, increase market access, and enhance cooperation between participating countries.

Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are designated areas within a country that offer incentives and streamlined regulations to attract foreign investment and promote exports. EPZs typically provide infrastructure, tax breaks, and simplified customs procedures to encourage companies to establish manufacturing or assembly operations, leading to job creation and economic development.

NAFTA: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a trade agreement signed in 1994 between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It aimed to eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between the three countries, promote economic integration, and create a single market in North America. NAFTA was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The Belt and Road Initiative is a global development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation between countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe through infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, ports, and energy pipelines.

Dollar Diplomacy: Dollar Diplomacy refers to a foreign policy approach employed by the United States during the early 20th century, particularly under President William Howard Taft. It involved using American economic power, particularly through loans and investments, to promote U.S. political and strategic interests abroad.

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Unf*cking the Republic (UNFTR for short) is progressive media organization that produces a longform podcast, YouTube videos, a twice weekly newsletter and original editorials on U.S. politics, socio economics and civil liberties. Our features attempt to explain how we arrived in Bizarro America, the funhouse mirror version of what was originally intended. You can access all of our work at www.UNFTR.com

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[BrianVickery-dj]

Another great series! Very educational and eye opening!

[rowesheila]

Beuutiful!!! So precise in informing us of complicated platforms. I was so informed Thank you for your info and clear concise form to my understanding. Thi s was deep dark truths revealed. Thank you again.

[aaronm]

Really interested to learn more about chapter 3, and how China mixes with imf and world bank

[mattj]

Dude, , , , do you know who sponsored WTF?