MAPPEMONDE 4/03

The Caribbean Basin: relative contrasts in the most developed part of the Third World (1 tabl.)

An analysis of demographic and socio-economic markers shows that the Caribbean Basin characterised by physical, social, economic and political fragmentation is in a privileged position compared with Latin American sub-groups. Socio-economic and spatial contrasts are pronounced.

keyword: CARIBBEAN BASIN, LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT, SPATIAL DISCONTINUITY

Henry Godard, Thierry Hartog. The Caribbean Basin: US lake or American Mediterranean? (4 fig.)

Organised around the major pole of the USA, the Caribbean Basin is characterised by sharp contrasts between its Northern and Southern shores and by the intensity of flows through the region. An analysis of data on tourist cruises and air traffic in the Basin makes it possible to confirm or disprove the validity of the two concepts of lake or Mediterranean.

keyword: AMERICAN MEDITERRANEAN, CARIBBEAN BASIN, FLOWS, USA

Henry Godard, The Caribbean Basin in the Americas: regional or continental integration? (1 fig., 1 tabl.)

The current reorganisation of regional economic associations in Latin America, under the impetus of the USA, globalisation of trade and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is affecting the Caribbean Basin. It is a singularly unequal contest between the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), with its limited scope and resources, and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) being implemented under the aegis of the USA.

keyword: AMERICAS, CARIBBEAN REGION, GLOBALISATION, REGIONAL COOPERATION, REGIONAL INTEGRATION

Olivier Dollfus, Henry Godard. The Caribbean Basin: interface or relay point between production and consumption of drugs (2 fig.)

The accelerated development of the drug economy is one aspect of globalisation. In the Caribbean Basin, which plays a key role in supplying the US market, the drug area is organised into complex, consistent, highly structured networks, controlled by a large number of institutional and private actors. Collusion between organised crime and the authorities contributes to the breakdown of the State apparatus and national societies.

keyword: CARIBBEAN BASIN, DRUG ECONOMY, GLOBALISATION, ILLEGAL NETWORKS, INTERFACE

Thierry Hartog. Free zones, offshore financial centres and tax havens: the legal antiworld (3 fig.)

The location and history of the Caribbean Basin have undoubtedly favoured the development of these spaces founded on the principle of permanent exemption. First tolerated and then given legal status, they play a dual role : they are comparatively unregulated, but at the same time contribute to the regulation of the world system. But can this double game last in a precarious and instable international context?

keyword: CARIBBEAN BASIN, EXEMPTION, FREE ZONES, GLOBALISATION, TAX HAVENS

Logics, networks and implications of international migration in the Caribbean Basin (2 fig.)

Generated by unequal development and geopolitical tensions, Caribbean migration has formed transnational networks that strengthen North/South and Caribbean interdependence. Extending living space and opportunities are the driving force behind these new solidarities.

keyword: CARIBBEAN BASIN, MIGRATION, NORTH/SOUTH RELATIONS, TRANSNATIONAL NETWORKS

Miami, capital of the Caribbean Basin? (2 fig.)

Within the space of two decades, the Miami metropolitan area has become the United States main gateway to and from the Caribbean Basin. It has crushed competition from several major cities. However, Miami still has some way to go before it qualifies as capital of the Caribbean.

keyword: AIRBORNE HUB, MIAMI, MULTICULTURALISM, PORT, TOURISM, TRADE

Disasters and development disparity in the Caribbean Basin (6 fig.)

This article links the disaster toll in the Caribbean Basin over the period 1972-2001 with the level of development of the countries in the region. On the whole, there is a close connection. Some distortions can nevertheless be observed, for which possible interpretations are proposed.

keyword: CARIBBEAN BASIN, DEVELOPMENT, DISASTERS; VULNERABILITY

Book reviews (Henry Godard, Thierry Hartog)

Index 2003

Mappemonde 3/03

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Mappemonde: contents

Last modified: November 27, 2003