Conflict Theory, Marx and NAFTA

Paper Summary:

The paper explains Marx's theory of social conflict and discusses the supposedly beneficial effects of globalization for the masses. The paper then relates how NAFTA establishes free movement of fiscal resources, natural resources, goods and people across the American, Canadian and Mexican borders and reveals that the effect of NAFTA, and of globalization in general, has been to the detriment of many American workers. The paper goes on to explains why Marx would have believed that in order to impose the global system that brings increased profits and prosperity to the small class of individuals that own the large multinational corporations, it is necessary to convince the public at large that NAFTA is universally beneficial. The paper therefore shows how the conflict theory of Marx seems applicable to today's conditions.

From the Paper:

"Our world is made up of many different groups of individuals. In nation-states such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico, various classes vie for power, status, influence, and control. The contending faction may be economic, social, or cultural in origin, or else be defined by gender, race, or religion. As one group seeks to consolidate its hold over society, it formulates an ideology; the group in power establishing the dominant or normative view of social relations and cultural thinking. Less powerful groups challenge these modes of thought, and creating their own philosophies that are often labeled deviant or maladaptive by those in power. Change, gradual or sudden, peaceful or violent, is frequently the result of these battles between the ruling group and its rivals. Conflict theory is an attempt to understand and study these patters of group identity and often revolutionary change. Karl Marx, in particular, helped to establish the foundations of conflict theory, his ideas focusing on the society's inherent potential for class warfare."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bentley, C. S. (2006, July 24). Immigration & Integration. The New American, 22, 44.
• Bronner, S. E. (2001). Socialism Unbound (2nd ed.). Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
• Bhagwati, J. (2004). In Defense of Globalization. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Buckley, P. J., & Ghauri, P. N. (2004). Globalisation, Economic Geography and the Strategy of Multinational Enterprises. Journal of International Business Studies, 35(2), 81+.
• Eden, L., & Lenway, S. (2001). Introduction to the Symposium Multinationals: The Janus Face of Globalization [*]. Journal of International Business Studies, 32(3), 383.

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