Geography 102D:Weekly Exercise 3

Question 1: Rainforests in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to some of the world's richest rain forests, often called the "lungs of the earth" for their role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions and in producing breathable oxygen. Threatened by commercial interests, these forests provide habitats to many of the world's rarest or most endangered species. Plants from these rain forests may also hold biomedical value. Yet Indonesia feels that it must develop parts of this land because it needs the income and must house its growing population. Indonesia's transmigration policy somewhat reduces the population pressure in Java and Sumatra, but it increases the likelihood of ethnic clashes in host communities and is tied to the demise of the rain forests.

Can you think of a creative way to protect the rain forests while providing homes and jobs to Indonesians?

Question 2: Doing Business in Burma

As discussed in your textbook, Burma (called Myanmar by its government) has been in a constant state of civil war since becoming independent in 1948. Other difficulties include a thriving illegal drug industry, a long record of human rights abuses by Burma's military regime, and an unchecked AIDS epidemic.

Despite international sanctions against doing business with its ruling military junta, Burma has successfully attracted foreign investment (especially from petroleum, timber, and apparel companies). While new investment by American companies was banned by the U.S. government in 1997, existing contracts remain in force. In 2003, the United States completely barred imports from Burma. Meanwhile, American companies, such as banks partnered in the Swift financial services group, continue to be put on the "Dirty List" of companies that do business in Burma. Unocal, an American company that is building a natural gas pipeline through Burma, has been accused of turning a blind eye as the government abducts and coerces workers to work on the project. And in 2004, President Bush's re-election campaign suffered a slight embarrassment on the subject of clothing made in Burma.

Yet many leading thinkers believe that a healthier approach is to engage rather than isolate Burma, especially in light of China's geopolitical and economic interest in the country. Furthermore, supporters of trade with Burma argue, sanctions invariably harm the people more than hurt the government of Burma.

What would you advise the U.S. government to do regarding American investment in Burma, and why?

Question 3: Sex Tourism in Thailand and Cambodia

While Vietnam is enjoying a surge in tourism from American veterans of the Vietnam War who are seeking closure for emotional wounds, Thailand and Cambodia are witnessing a strong flow of American tourists seeking something else -- Sex, often with children. In 2003, U.S. President Bush signed the Protect Act to prohibit American involvement in sex tourism. Within months, the first arrests were made of U.S. citizens engaged in illegal sexual activities abroad. Yet for the poorest citizens of Cambodia, few economic opportunities exist. Workers who cannot obtain employment in garment factories, arguably considered sweatshops, are often left with little choice but to enter the sex trade themselves or to sell their children into it.

Imagine that you could advise the government or people of Cambodia. What would you say regarding the perceived economic necessity of sex tourism?