The FTAA

Paper Summary:

This paper outlines some of the most relevant issues regarding the potential effect of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) on Brazil and its economy. The paper analyzes the case of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its affect on Mexico and its economy as an illustrative case. It then examines various trade structures and associations relative to the potential impact of the FTAA for Brazil and South America. Additionally, the paper looks at the benefits and the negatives of the development of a potential FTAA and examines several impediments to its further adoption in the region and by Brazil specifically.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Globalization
Economic History in the Americas
Trade Models
NAFTA Goals
Effects on Mexico
Macroeconomic Considerations
Political
Labor
Environment
Brazil Currently
MERCOSUR
Future of the FTAA
Roadblocks to Progress
Current Debate--Pros/Cons
Brazil's Anti-FTAA Stance & Lula
Possible Impact
Macroeconomic
Political
Labor
Environment

From the Paper:

"Most economists believe the wider FTAA holds more promise for the South American member states than does the regional MERCOSUR or similar agreements that may result. The FTAA would expand the potential markets for industry competitors throughout South America allowing for greater leverage of comparative advantage. However, other analysts believe that the FTAA ultimately benefits the largest member states and leaves the smaller member countries with no obvious benefit (Oppenheimer, 2006). This last criticism has been directed at both the FTAA and regional agreements and seems to be an issue related to any trade agreement regardless of context."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baer, W.(2001). The Brazilian Economy: Growth and Development. Westport, CT: Praeger.
• Finco, M. V., & Hepner, G. F. (1999). Investigating US-Mexico Border Community Vulnerability to Industrial Hazards: A Simulation Study in Ambos Nogales. Cartography and Geographic Information Science, 26(4), 243.
• Fraud video claim in Mexico poll. (2006). BBC World News (online). Retrieved November 12, 2006 from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5167420.stm
• Friedman, Thomas L. (2000). The Lexus and the Olive Tree. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000.
• Globalization.(2005). Commanding Heights: PBS. Retrieved November 10, 2006 from: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/ commandingheights/hi/story/index.html

More papers on The FTAA:

• Research Paper # 102766 : "Brazil and the FTAA"
• Analytical Essay # 130598 : "The FTAA and its Effect on Brazil"
• Essay # 39861 : "The FTAA"

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