Abstract
The paper asserts that in the case of CAFTA, the Canadian American Free Trade Agreement, the economic arguments in its favor are both logical and correct. The paper argues that opposition to CAFTA in its inception was due to unfounded fears of potential poor outcomes. The paper maintains how real progress is being seen; free trade is expanding exponentially and many US and Canadian concerns of Asian market dominance are being addressed.

From the Paper
"In the book Globaphobia Gary Burtless points out that though many assessments of the modern economy are decidedly positive and still others claim that the economy is, "very kind to a few at the top, but barely rewarding for many in the middle, and a continuing nightmare for those at the bottom." The question then arises with regard to globalization that because this economy is expanding to the global marketplace, where the majority of peoples suffering from this "continuing nightmare" live all care must be taken to redress this social concern. Some will invariably argue that the development of trade agreements such as CAFTA is simply the next step in a self-serving corporate mindset to more directly direct the funds into the pockets of those at the very top."

Tags:international, tariffs, disputes, cooperation

Abstract
This paper considers the case of the CAFTA and its juxtaposition against the entry of China into the WTO. As China becomes a more powerful trading force globally the free trade agreements such as CASFTA become more important. This paper highlights the concerns of the Central American nations and the US as they formulate the FTA to accommodate Chinese competition.

From the Paper
"When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the calculus for trade in the Western Hemisphere changed significantly. Whereas before the Americas had always had a special trade relationship due to proximity and cultural-geographical ties, the entry of China into the WTO threatened to turn trade among the U.S. and the countries of Central and South America into an open battle for survival, especially for smaller countries with limited but developing economies such as Honduras and Guatemala. "

Tags:free, trade, agreements

Abstract
This paper chronicles the efforts of the Bush Administration to pass the CAFTA, the Central America Free Trade Agreement. The author explains of its benefits. The paper delineates the problems of this legislation.

From the Paper
" On January ..., President Bush announced that the United States would explore a free trade agreement with the countries of Central America. The President said his Administration would work closely with Congress towards this goal. The President added that the purpose of this initiative was to strengthen the economic ties the United States already had with these nations and to reinforce their progress toward economic political and social reform. The Central American Free Trade Agreement CAFTA is a proposed agreement between the United States and Guatemala, ..."

Tags:Cafa, free trade, central america, opposition, nafta, trade barriers, duties, international trade, benefits

Abstract
This paper examines free trade issues. In 1993 and 1994, the United States Congress ratified American membership in two important free trade organizations: NAFTA and WTO. In order to expand free trade, George W. Bush is currently negotiating with the leaders of Central American countries to create a Central American Free Trade Agreement. The paper shows that some of these leaders are reluctant to agree to membership in CAFTA because of suspicions that these regional and multilateral trade organizations are simply another tool to maintain the advantages of economically developed countries.

Tags:nafta, cafta, wto

Abstract
This paper explains that the trend toward regional economic integration has produced organizations, such as the EU, African Union, and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, serving the interests of many smaller nations by allowing them to attain more power in their foreign policy by acting collectively within; however, the key factor among all of the organizations, with the exception of NAFTA ,is that the member nations have comparatively similar economies in terms of GDP per capita, manufacturing sectors, and agriculture. The author points out that, surprisingly, the U.S. has done little to expand its trade relations with the other Western Hemisphere countries; however, the negotiations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the subsequent establishment of a common market in the Western Hemisphere, which be the largest trade group in the world, is one of the most prudent mechanisms for the U.S. to strengthen relations with key allies and propagate its global economic preeminence. The paper relates that the most significant objection, especially by Brazil, involves the agricultural subsidies given to US farmers, which will skew market costs and competition between U.S. and Brazilian farm products.

Table of Contents
Introduction
The Free Trade Area of the Americas
Strategy for the Resolution of Disagreements over the FTAA
Geo-Strategic Implications of the FTAA
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In order to revive FTAA talks and lead to a finalization of the agreement, three major areas require important changes: the administrations of the involved nations, the resolution of differences halting negotiations and a concerted effort to curb domestic political resistance to the FTAA. First, recent history has shown that the current administrations in many of the countries involved in the FTAA are unwilling to compromise on conflicting goals. While the Bush administration has made expanding free trade a high priority, its tenuous relations with the Chavez regime will continue to lead to subsequent Venezuelan actions to undermine US efforts. The forthcoming US presidential elections in 2008 or a resolution of the electoral controversy surrounding Chavez could bring a change in circumstances in this arena."

Tags:agricultural, brazil, cuba, venezuela, differences, geo-strategic

Abstract
The paper explores the United States' policy and actions in regard to its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The paper discusses the protectionism being exercised by the U.S as well as the import of specific goods from countries outside of the CAFTA trade agreement. The paper also examines the influence and effect of the United States' monetary system on free trade and the potential benefits of a global free trade system. The paper shows how the U.S. does not always follow its own policy on free trade when it has the choice of increasing its profits and its bottom line.

Outline:
Introduction
Influence and Effect of U.S. Monetary System on Free Trade
Global Free Trade System
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The United States has championed the cause of free trade in North America, also know as NAFTA. The policy that the U.S. has put forth allows for free trade amongst Canada and Mexico and with the inception of the CAFTA or Central America Free Trade Agreement, many South American countries as well. The issue at hand is whether or not the U.S backs up its policy on free trade with its actions towards the countries in the two agreements as well as other various relationships it has with the export and import of good from other countries that are not apart of NAFTA or CAFTA."

Tags:protectionism, import, export, CAFTA, NAFTA, monetary, system

Abstract
This paper focuses on organizations that are involved in regional integration efforts. The paper describes these organizations, and includes the major regional integration efforts, histories, advantages, and disadvantages of each one. The paper notes that these efforts involve the trade of goods without tariffs and quotas; free movement of services, labor, and capital; removal of trade policies that provide advantage of local businesses; and better property rights. The paper discusses the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).

Outline:
Introduction
History and Analysis
References

From the Paper
"Regional integration first started in Europe through the Maastricht Treaty on November 1993. This created the European Union (EU) whose aim was to prevent another war after World War II by joining the countries in economic and political cooperation. Right now, it has 25 member countries making use of a single constitution and a single currency system called the Euro. The EU is the largest and most powerful regional integration effort right now. It evolved from simple economic cooperation into a federation system. At the same time, it was able to maintain each member's sovereignty and national interest. As of 2004, it had the largest economy in the world having a GDP of 12,481,824 million dollars with significant trade surplus ("European Union" n.d.). The main advantages of the EU are: (1) a huge market of 400 million people where member economies can enter without restrictions; (2) freedom of EU citizens to move freely and get jobs within the member countries; and (3) a diverse choice of low-cost goods and services brought about by competition. The disadvantages, however are: (1) The EU has great power that it can dictate the policies and politics of an individual country; (2) the EU is undemocratic, and decisions are made by a single council; (3) too many rules and regulations that promote bureaucracy and unnecessary overhead ("International Organisations - The European Union" n.d)."

Tags:NAFTA, CAFTA, APEC, ASEAN, trade

Abstract
This paper discusses how globalization has been transforming the world economically and politically to such an extent that political scientists are predicting the death of the nation-state. This has not happened yet, but the nation-state system which has prevailed for several centuries is steadily declining in significance as international corporations wield greater power and influence, and as economic unions such as NAFTA, CAFTA, and the EU continue to develop and expand. The paper further discusses how proponents of globalization and many free trade theorists contend that global trade creates enough economic gains that everyone involved can benefit, as long as the gains are widely redistributed between national trading partners.

Tags:political, globalization, issues

Abstract
This paper describes the challenges of making Wal-Mart de Mexico (Walmex) a success. The author explains the company's strategy. The paper includes the role of CAFTA of the Bush Administration.

From the Paper
"Kerry Dolan of Forbes writes that lured by bargains prices customers in Mexico have been flocking in ever-greater numbers to the ... plus retail outlets across the country owned by Wal-Mart de Mexico. That helped Walmex as it is known locally to increase revenues in ... by .... to .... billion. Profits on sales in Mexico grew in .... by .... to .... million. This represented a return on sales of ...., thanks in part to the fact that Mexican nationals are now firmly in charge of determining the mix ...."

Tags:Mexico, Wal Mart, Nafta, free trade, expatriates, cultural differences, local customs, business

Abstract
This paper discusses the general characteristics of globalization and its primary drivers in the form of transportation systems, telecommunications and technology in the form of the Internet, computers, networks and applications. Globalization is examined vis-a-vis the funeral industry and how it has led to consolidation in this formerly family-owned dominated industry. Finally, some major trading blocs are listed with CAFTA and NAFTA being most relevant.

From the Paper
"Globalization is the economic catchphrase of the 21st century. People use it to explain many things, but when asked to define it, the term often defies explanation. One source defines globalization as: "The integration of the world's culture, economy and infrastructure driven by the lowering of political barriers to transnational trade and investment and by the rapid proliferation of communication and information technologies. The term is often used in reference to the substantial impact of free-market forces on local, regional and national economies."(Globalization, 2005) The key points in the given definition would seem to be culture, economy and infrastructure, since globalization is often blamed or praised for caused phenomena within each of these areas. Culture, because globalization tends to blur delineations between them; economy because globalization appears to benefit the more efficient economies; and infrastructure because the mechanisms of communication, transportation and knowledge transfer facilitate it."

Tags:globalization, funeral, technology