I need a short essay on 2 out of the 5 following questions:

1. International trade has always existed, although it did not create huge volumes of exchanges in antiquity. We discussed in class early examples of societies that specialized on trade, with significant success, (think of the Phoenicians, and the Athenians). Among them, at the dawn of the Modern Era, the Republic of Venice was especially successful. For centuries it managed to dominate East-West trade, (mostly goods that had traveled from East to West on the “Silk Road” and arrived to the shores of the Eastern Mediterranean), after having acquired control over the sea lanes in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Explain how Venice accomplished this dominant position, and why eventually it was lost.

2. Discuss the “Hansa League” and why it became so successful, for centuries in creating a reliable system of trade relations connecting cities in Northern Germany, to other cities in the Baltic City and beyond. It was a rules based system. Please describe why this is a significant achievement in the history of modern trade.

3. What is Mercantilism? Who was Jean Baptiste Colbert? What were mercantilist policies supposed to achieve? Was this approach to trade ultimately successful; or not? Please discuss.

4. The first long public debate about the merits of “Protectionism”, versus “Free Trade” policies took place in Britain around the issue of the “Corn Laws’. Please discuss the arguments made on both sides, and why eventually Free Trade won.

5. The European Union is a solid example of a successful Free Trade Area, FTA. Please discuss the motives that led back in the 1950s to the beginning of the process of trade cooperation among the first group of 6 members and the EU mixed record when later on its development it started a process of integration in areas beyond trade (free movement of people, competition policy, monetary union, and more).

Assignment 2: Discussion—McDonald’s Global Strategy

Generally speaking, many companies are interested in the potential cost savings of using the same product and promotional mix on a global basis. It is easier to control the program and less time is required in developing the marketing plan. However, as you have learned, each country has a different culture, and a successful marketing strategy must connect with the local population.

McDonald’s is one of the most successful American companies in the global market since it has skillfully adapted its international marketing strategy, and its menu to meet local tastes and preferences thus allowing it to prosper in almost every local environment. You may be surprised to know that McDonald’s now earns a majority of its revenues overseas.

Use your module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet to research McDonald’s global marketing strategy. Then, respond to the following:

1. How do local laws, local taste preferences, and local culture impact McDonald’s global strategy?
2. How does McDonald’s develop long-term relationships in a foreign country through its vendor sourcing strategy and marketing campaigns? Can McDonald’s improve this process? If so, how? If not, explain why.
3. Have your thoughts on global standardization changed? Please explain why.

By the due date assigned, post your response to the Discussion Area. Through the end of the module, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses .

Write your initial response in 300–500 words. Your response should be thorough and address all components of the discussion question in detail, include citations of all sources, where needed, according to the APA Style, and demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuationDo the following when responding to your peers:

• Read your peers’ answers.
• Provide substantive comments by
  • contributing new, relevant information from course readings, Web sites, or other sources;
  • building on the remarks or questions of others; or
  • sharing practical examples of key concepts from your professional or personal experiences
• Respond to feedback on your posting and provide feedback to other students on their ideas.
• Make sure your writing
  • is clear, concise, and organized;
  • demonstrates ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and
  • displays accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.