North American Economic Integration : Theory and Practice

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.

Norris C. Clement, Professor of Economics and Director, International Projects, Institute of Regional Studies of the Californias, San Diego State University, US, Gustavo del Castillo Vera, Coordinator of the Political Economy Working Group, Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Mexico, James Gerber, Associate Professor of Economics, San Diego State University and Economic Research Fellow, San Diego Dialogue, University of California, US, William A. Kerr, University Distinguished Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, Alan J. MacFadyen, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Calgary, Canada, Stanford Shedd, Consulting Economist, University of Calgary, Canada, Eduardo Zepeda, Professor of Economics, Centre for Socioeconomic Studies, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Mexico and Diana Alarcón, Economist, Inter-American Institute for Social Development, Inter-American Development Bank, US