Graduation Year

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Granting Department

Political Science

Major Professor

M. Mark Amen, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Dajin Peng, Ph.D.

Committee Member

M. Martin Bosman, Ph.D.

Keywords

power, sovereignty, global politics, national markets, Guatemala

Abstract

Many people agree that we live in a changing world. It is a world transformed by globalization. I propose that changes in state policies have led to a change from an international economy to a global economy, thereby contributing to the emergence of contemporary globalization. Changes in state power/authority and policies have affected the overall economy. These changes have caused the economy to transform from a national economy to a global economy.

I test the hypothesis through a case study of Guatemala's Economy. The time period for this study is from 1982 to 2002. The economy of Guatemala is comprised of three key sectors. These sectors include Agriculture, Industry, and Services. I study the relationship the state has with these key sectors and also the relationship these three sectors have on the state.

I review the current status of national economies to determine if they have changed and thereby been absorbed by a global economy. What have been the characteristics of national economies? Do these characteristics still exist? If national economies continue to have the same characteristics they have developed since the 18th century then, what is meant by a global economy? Does it exist? What is the difference between an international economy and a global economy? How do political economists and economists view national economies and the global economy? Are the traditional variables (such as GNP, GDP, savings rate and others) used to measure changes in national economies still applicable? Has the relationship between the economy and the state changed or remained unchanged since the development of that relationship since the 18th century?

Among these questions, the central question I plan to address is: have national economies changed and become subsumed under a global economy?

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