Synoptic links

Question 1

Going global links

Answer 1

Globalisation (Increased interconnectedness has improved the development of the region e.g. more airlines are traveling to Panama)
Containerisation (An increase in container ship size has resulted in an increased need for quicker routes e.g. Panama Canal)
TNCs (Investment into Panama by large banking companies - See Panama Papers)
Fisher-Clark Model (Can be used to show the stage of development of each country based on their levels of each industry)
Networks (Panama is a key trade network)
Migration (Reasons for Nicaragua having high migration levels and high remittance levels - effect on development)
Demographic Transition Model (Show what stage of development each country is in based on their demography)
City Issues (Colon and Panama City comparison)

Question 2

Energy security

Answer 2

Renewable energy (Costa Rica relies on 99% renewable energy - improved security - geothermal and HEP)
Choke Points (The Panama Canal is a potential choke point for global energy transport and the control of it gives lots of power)
Sustainability (Costa Rica is developing sustainably)

Question 3

water

Answer 3

Water Security (Use of water from Gatun Lake and Lago NIcaragua resulting in reduced water security in the region)
Water Use (Transport vs Agriculture in Nicaragua)
Helsinki Rules (International Water Agreements between Costa Rica and Nicaragua)

Question 4

Biodiversity

Answer 4

Endemism (Large numbers of endemic species are found in the Mesoamerica Biodiversity Hotspot)
Conservation (Costa Rica protecting the Osa Peninsula and Monteverde Cloud Forest)
Alien Invasive Species (Mentioned in the Prerelease)

Question 5

Superpowers

Answer 5

Superpower Theories (Rostow, Frank, Wallerstein etc.)
Neocolonialism (China is investing in Nicaragua - potential neo-colonial ties)
USAs influence in Panama (Proximity and ties to USA)
Cold War (Links to invasion of Panama by USA due to Cold War)
Colonialism (All former colonies of Spain)
UN (UN organisations e.g. UNICEF have become involved in the region)

Question 6

BTDG

Answer 6

Theories of development (Rostow, Development Cable, Core-Periphery etc.)
Millennium Development Goals (Education, Health Care and Environmental Sustainability important/mentioned in prerelease)