Banana republike: Utjecaj korporacije United Fruit Company na države Srednje Amerike

master's thesis

• Title (english): Banana republic: The Impact of the United Fruit Company on States of Central America
• Author: Ana Culi
• Mentor: Lidija Kos-Stanišić (mentor)
• Committee member: Lidija Kos-Stanišić (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Josip Lučev (član povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Borna Zgurić (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; The Faculty of Political Science; Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2023-09-11, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: SOCIAL SCIENCES; Political Science

Abstract

U ovom radu istražuju se duboko ukorijenjeni tragovi United Fruit Companyja (UFCO), multinacionalne korporacije koja je utemeljila svoju dominaciju putem političkog utjecaja i ekonomske eksploatacije. Ova kompanija, današnja Chiquita Brands International, ostavila je dubok pečat na globalnom gospodarstvu, politici i društvu. Analiza povijesnih koraka UFCO-a otkriva kako je korporacija koristila ekonomske nejednakosti i političku nestabilnost zemalja u kojima je djelovala kako bi zadovoljila svoje interese, a što je imalo negativne učinke na manje razvijene zajednice. Kroz povijesno putovanje UFCO-a vidimo i kako je korporacija koristila svoju moć da oblikuje domaću i međunarodnu politiku. Njezin utjecaj u Srednjoj Americi, posebno u Gvatemali, Hondurasu i Kostariki, doveo je do političke nestabilnosti i društvenih nejednakosti. Korporacija je moguće donijela i gospodarski napredak, ali generirala je brojne socijalne tenzije i ekonomske nepravde. U zaključnom dijelu ističe se značaj transparentsnoti, etičkog poslovanja i odgovornosti prema zajednicama u kojima multinacionalne korporacije djeluju. UFCO je bila primjer nedostatka takvih vrijednosti, a transformacija u Chiquita Brands International nije potpuno eliminirala posljedice njegovog djelovanja. U zaključku se, također, ističe potreba za regulacijama i smjernicama koje će osigurati da korporacije ne zloupotrebljavaju svoju moć i utjecaj. Iako je UFCO ostavila trajan trag u Srednjoj Americi, analiza povijesti kompanije omogućuje dublje razumijevanje suvremenih izazova s kojima se zemlje poput Kostarike, Hondurasa i Gvatemale suočavaju. Kroz prizmu UFCO-a, postaje jasno koliko je važno razvijati vlastite politike i industrije kako bi se osigurao održiv i pravedan razvoj.

Abstract (english)

This paper explores deeply rooted traces of the United Fruit Company (UFCO), a multinational corporation that established its dominance through political influence and economic exploitation. This company, now known as Chiquita Brands International, has left a profound mark on the global economy, politics, and society. The analysis of UFCO reveals how the corporation utilized economic inequalities and political instability in the countries of its operation to serve its interests, resulting in adverse effects on less developed communities. Through the historical journey of UFCO, we also witness how the corporation used its power to shape domestic and international policies. Its influence in Central America, particularly in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica, led to political instability and social inequalities. While the corporation potentially brought economic advancement, it generated numerous social tensions and economic injustices. In the conclusion, the significance of transparency, ethical business practices, and responsibility towards the communities where multinational corporations operate is highlighted. UFCO serves as an example of lacking such values, and the transformation into Chiquita Brands International hasn't completely eradicated the consequences of its actions. The conclusion, it also stands out the need for regulations and guidelines to ensure that corporations do not abuse their power and influence. Even though UFCO has left a lasting impact on Central America, an analysis of the company's history provides a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges that countries like Costa Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala face. Through the lens of UFCO, it becomes clear how crucial it is to develop indigenous policies and industries to ensure sustainable and equitable development.

• Keywords: UFCO; korporacija; politička nestabilnost; ekonomska eksploatacija
• Keywords (english): UFCO; corruption; political instability; economic exploitation
• Language: croatian
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:114:228492
• Study programme: Title: Political Science; Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: magistar/magistra politologije (magistar/magistra politologije)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2023-09-27 07:57:16