Using web marketing strategies combined with educational initiatives -- such as downloadable podcasts and educational websites with a marketing and advertising component might be one way to capitalize upon this trend (Trade blocs, neoliberalism, and the quality of life in Latin America, 2004, UCLA). What potential impact does the most important trade bloc have on the marketing and business strategies of Apple Computer and general website marketing?

Mercosur has taken a hostile attitude, in general, to large Western companies. It believes such companies are profiting off of less-developed nations and prevent such nations from fully entering the developed world as global players. This reflects, to some extent, the attitude of the citizens of the nations of Mercosur countries. Deemphasizing the 'Americanness' of Apple might be necessary in Brazil, in contrast to nations where the American quality of a product might have more cache.

Does this trade bloc represent primarily economic convergence or does it substantially include political and other aspects of convergence as well?

Mercosur was created as a counterweight to the neoliberal ideology popular in the 1990s which suggested that all forms of free trade, the global homogenization of rules and cultures,...

Although not explicitly political, political and social issues of poverty eradication and greater economic autonomy of member nations on the world stage are part of its schema of beliefs.
How strong and effective is this trade bloc?

At present, the more diffusely run Mercosur pales in its influence in comparison to the homogenized economy of the EU.

How does the most important trade bloc in which Brazil participates compare to other regional trade blocs?

The most effective trade bloc is OPEC, in which the Latin American nation of Venezuela is a vocal participant. The influence of OPEC on the price of world oil gives OPEC important and unique leverage against nations like the United States which might be otherwise hostile to Venezuela and other member nation's political, economic, and social influence.

Works Cited

Trade blocs, neoliberalism, and the quality of life in Latin America. (2004, June 16). UCLA

Conference: Mercosur, NAFTA, and the Free Trade Area of the America.

Retrieved January 25, 2009 at http://www.international.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=12060

Brazil