North American Economic Integration: Theory and Practice - Hardcover

`. . . excellent introduction and overview of developments leading up to the implementation of the North American Free Trade Act. Recommended for general readers and undergraduate students.' -- G.T. Potter, Choice `It is rare to find a book written by so many authors that reads as smoothly as this. What distinguishes this volume from other books on the reasons for NAFTA is its wider approach to the topic. Rather than simply focusing on the immediate reasons for the negotiation of NAFTA the authors place this agreement in a larger historical context. They review the evolution of the global economy in the postwar period as well as the specific industrial strategies of the NAFTA partners. A signal contribution of the book is the attention it gives to the analysis of international trade and the benefits of global and preferential trading arrangements.' -- Maureen Appel Molot, Carleton University, Canada `This is a first-rate text for undergraduate students because of the readable way the trilateral group of authors from Canada, Mexico and the US discuss the evolution of trade theory and then relate this to the development of trade policy in each of their countries and the process of trade integration in North America.' -- Sidney Weintraub, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC, US `Thoroughly researched and lucidly written, this impressive book is not only a key reference source on NAFTA, but a definitive guide to emergent issues in trade policy.' -- Mark Casson, University of Reading, UK

This highly accessible book explains the theoretical, historical and political background of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), its impact and the debates surrounding its existence. In addition the authors provide a brief introduction to the theory of economic integration as well as a succinct overview of the evolution of the global economy, and the institutions that manage it, in the post World War II period. Key issues examined include: * how and why NAFTA emerged in the early 1990s and its performance since implementation * the economic development and commercial policy of each member country in the context of the rapidly changing global economy * NAFTA's technical strengths and limitations * the debates which still rage between its proponents and critics The team of US, Canadian and Mexican authors argue that while NAFTA has introduced novel social and environmental innovations in trade agreements, given Mexico's macroeconomic volatility, it provides a less than perfect approach for managing North America's rapidly expanding economic integration. North American Economic Integration can be used by a wide audience from students to professionals and academics from any discipline with an understanding of the basic principles of economics. Specifically, the book will be welcomed by students of international economics, political economy and international relations.