For a long time there has been this profound sense of uncertainty, questioning whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) actually fell in line with the national interests of the...Show moreFor a long time there has been this profound sense of uncertainty, questioning whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) actually fell in line with the national interests of the United States. Following the election of President Donald Trump in 2016, Trump strongly opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement, calling it “the worst trade deal in history,” promising to reevaluate the trade agreement and alter the existing economic model. This reevaluated trade agreement would later be known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The United States played a crucial role in the transition from NAFTA to the USMCA to advance its national interests. The national interests of the United States’ include addressing trade imbalances, protecting domestic objectives, and lastly by modernizing trade provisions. By renegotiating the agreement, the US aimed to correct unfavorable trade imbalances with Canada and Mexico, safeguard American industries and jobs through enhanced labor and environmental standards and, modernize trade provisions to reflect modern economic realities, including digital trade and intellectual property. Changing the terms of NAFTA in this way allowed US officials more latitude and control over the terms of trade, enhancing its position/power on a regional and global scale.Show less
This thesis analyzes the influence of NAFTA on the agricultural sectors of the United States and Mexico between 1984 and 2004. The thesis is subdivided in three chapters, with each chapter...Show moreThis thesis analyzes the influence of NAFTA on the agricultural sectors of the United States and Mexico between 1984 and 2004. The thesis is subdivided in three chapters, with each chapter presenting one dimension of 'agricultural sector.' These dimensions are, production efficiency (1), trade competitiveness (2), and agricultural employment (3). Three general conclusions were made. NAFTA positively influenced Mexican and American production efficiency (1), NAFTA positively influenced American trade competitiveness, but negatively influenced Mexican trade competitiveness (2), and NAFTA barely influenced agricultural employment in the United States (3).Show less
This paper analyzes Mexico’s food consumption patterns and social consequences conditioned by economic changes following the implementation of NAFTA. Market liberalization and foreign investment...Show moreThis paper analyzes Mexico’s food consumption patterns and social consequences conditioned by economic changes following the implementation of NAFTA. Market liberalization and foreign investment have proven to negatively impact public health in Mexico which experiences a steep increase of obesity prevalence and non-communicable diseases. This paper is able to trace the complex relationship between trade, health policy and the nutrition transition.Show less
This thesis will thoroughly analyze the development of the Mexican economy since its market reform to see whether these reforms have led to the expected growth rates in exports, and – more...Show moreThis thesis will thoroughly analyze the development of the Mexican economy since its market reform to see whether these reforms have led to the expected growth rates in exports, and – more importantly - whether this export growth has translated into better living conditions, as neoclassical theory suggests it would. By testing the premises of neoclassical theory, this thesis explores whether a developing country integrating into the global economy might need different policies than those countries that have already established a strong position in the world market. This, in turn, could reveal the underlying structures that hinder Latin American countries – Mexico, in particular – to achieve long-term, stable growth rates in a neoliberal international order.Show less
Why would two countries that cooperate economically build a wall at their border? Why do two befriended nations separate its citizens by a wall? This thesis deals with the peculiar coexistence of...Show moreWhy would two countries that cooperate economically build a wall at their border? Why do two befriended nations separate its citizens by a wall? This thesis deals with the peculiar coexistence of NAFTA, aiming at eliminating (trade) barriers, and the border wall between Mexico and the United States, which aims to prevent people from crossing the border illegally.Show less
This thesis describes the topic of labor within the NAFTA agreement, based on the labor conditions, labor unions, and finally labor mobility. It examines whether the labor conditions during the...Show moreThis thesis describes the topic of labor within the NAFTA agreement, based on the labor conditions, labor unions, and finally labor mobility. It examines whether the labor conditions during the agreement improved or worsened.Show less
