NAFTA Vs. the European Union

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at why the countries of the North American zone; Canada, the United States and Mexico joined together as an economic bloc and why European nations chose to re-constitute themselves into a single political and economic bloc after the Second World War. The paper then examines how economic integration between the European and North American countries has been and is pursued. The paper compares NAFTA to the European Union and explores the tensions between the two powerful trading blocs and where their tense relationship appears to be headed.

Outline:
Introduction
The North American Free Trade Agreement
The European Union: Its Origins, its "Unity-Based" Agenda, and its Collective Trade Policy
Comparing NAFTA with the European Union
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The "official" reasons for the emergence of the North American Free Trade Agreement are stated in Article 102 of the document. Specifically, the document states that all three signatories wish to eliminate barriers in trade and to facilitate the free movement of goods and services across the boundaries of the various territories. Article 102 also makes it clear that NAFTA is meant to promote "fair competition" and to increase investment opportunities for all three nations. As importantly as anything else, the document also delineates that the free trade accord is meant to ensure that intellectual property rights and the enforcement of intellectual property rights is carried out effectively and vigorously in all of the ratifying nations."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clarkson, Stephen. "Fearful Asymmetries: The Challenge of Analyzing Continental Systems in a Globalizing World." Canadian-American Public Policy, 35 (1998): 1+. Questia.com. 10 Nov. 2006 <http://questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002300481&er=deny>
• European Trade Union Confederation. "The European Union's Lisbon Strategy." ETUC: The Voice of 60 Million Workers. 6 Jul. 2006. European Trade Union Confederation. 10 Nov. 2006 <http://www.etuc.org/a/652>
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. "Part One: General Part (Article 102)." The North American Free Trade Agreement. 25 Nov. 2002. DFAIT: Government of Canada. 11 Nov. 2006 <http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/nafta-alena/chap01-en.asp?#Article102>
• Harhoff, Dietmar. "Intellectual Property Rights in Europe - Where Do We Stand and Where Do we Go?" 20 Sept. 2006. Prime Minister's Office: Economic Council of Finland. 9 Nov. 2006 <http://www.vnk.fi/hankkeet/talousneuvosto/tyo-kokoukset/globalisaatioselvitys-9-2006/artikkelit/Harhoff_06-09-20.pdf>
• Mirus, Ralf. "Should We Trade NAFTA for a Customs Union?" ExpressNews. 10 Nov. 2006. University of Alberta. 10 Nov. 2006 <http://www.expressnews.ualberta.ca/article.cfm?id=1538>

More papers on NAFTA Vs. the European Union:

• Book Review # 145645 : "The European Union: Politics and Policies" - A Review"
• Research Paper # 84230 : "Multilevel Governance in the European Union"
• Essay # 69414 : "Turkey and the European Union"

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