The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): Good for Jobs, for the Environment, and for America

Abstract

Although NAFTA\u27s impact is primarily economic, it will also have a profound political impact, especially on relations between Mexico and the United States. In coming to the decision to seek a free trade agreement with the United States, Mexico has already made important political decisions: to jettison its defensive nationalism and fear of United States domination; to reform and liberalize its economic system; and to pave the way for democratizing its political institutions. The United States, in turn, has long sought a solid foundation to overcome its often prickly relationship with its southern neighbor and other Latin American nations. Eliminating barriers to free trade may at long last provide the policy key to a new era of genuine cooperation and friendly relations between the United States and Mexico as well as the rest of Latin America