The following paper refers to the potential of international free trade agreements to create interconnected economic markets, which require a common trade policy of the contracting countries.
The difficulty in this approach is to ensure an economic integration of both countries on the basis of bilateral treaties, despite differing cultural, social and economic attitudes. As an effect of the continuing globalization and the increased international interconnectedness, there is generally a rising number of international free trade agreements among countries with the intention to achieve economic growth and welfare that on the other hand simultaneously led to an increased amount of criticism arising from non-governmental organizations, consumer protection organizations or environmental groups. This oppositeness has received a lot of attention during the recent negotiations and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada.
Similar to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which is a foreseen free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States that has been temporarily suspended due to huge protests, both agreements have in common that they bear more criticism that than any other free trade agreement ever before. This is why it is interesting to know to which degree there is a correlation of similarities and differences between a modern free trade agreement such as the CETA and an already established treaty like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Mexico and Canada.
According to the title, there will be “An analysis of the benefits and critique between the free trade agreements NAFTA and CETA in a historical comparison” with the purpose of figuring out whether a certain contracting country is benefiting from the NAFTA or the CETA or if it is experiencing any social, environmental, cultural, economic or other disadvantages. In the following segments these aspects will be examined, contrasted and evaluated with the support of studies and current data to provide meaningful findings and to give a final recommendation for action at the end of the paper.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Distinction of CETA and NAFTA
- Emergence of the free trade agreements
- Tariff-related aspects of CETA and NAFTA
- Non-tariff-related aspects of CETA and NAFTA
- Critical comparison between CETA and NAFTA
- Non-transparent negotiations
- Dissent regarding investment protection
- Harmonization of standards
- Economic effects of CETA and NAFTA
- Employment
- Trade volume
- Economic growth
- Conclusion and outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This master's thesis analyzes and compares the benefits and critiques of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) through a historical lens. The aim is to provide a comparative analysis of these two significant free trade agreements, highlighting their similarities and differences.
- Comparison of NAFTA and CETA structures and development
- Analysis of tariff and non-tariff related aspects of both agreements
- Critical evaluation of the negotiation processes and resulting controversies
- Assessment of the economic impacts on employment, trade volume, and economic growth
- Comparative overview of the strengths and weaknesses of both agreements
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the thesis, outlining the scope of the research and the methodology employed in comparing NAFTA and CETA. It provides a brief overview of the agreements and their historical context, establishing the groundwork for the detailed analysis that follows in subsequent chapters. The chapter also details the structure and flow of the thesis, guiding the reader through the arguments and analysis presented.
Distinction of CETA and NAFTA: This chapter delves into a detailed comparison of CETA and NAFTA, examining their emergence and key features. It dissects tariff and non-tariff related aspects, highlighting the differences in their approaches to trade barriers and regulations. The analysis focuses on the distinct historical and political contexts that shaped the formation and implementation of each agreement. This comparison lays the groundwork for a critical assessment in later chapters.
Critical comparison between CETA and NAFTA: This chapter undertakes a critical analysis of both agreements, exploring contentious issues such as the lack of transparency in negotiations, disagreements over investment protection mechanisms, and challenges related to the harmonization of standards. It examines arguments from various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society groups, showcasing the diverse perspectives and impacts of these trade agreements. This section critically examines potential drawbacks and challenges associated with the agreements.
Economic effects of CETA and NAFTA: This chapter investigates the economic consequences of NAFTA and CETA, focusing on employment, trade volume, and economic growth. It analyzes statistical data and economic models to assess the impact of each agreement on the participating countries. The analysis explores both positive and negative consequences, considering factors such as job creation, trade imbalances, and economic diversification, providing a balanced perspective on the economic implications.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
NAFTA, CETA, free trade agreements, tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers, investment protection, economic effects, trade volume, employment, economic growth, comparative analysis, international trade, historical comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of NAFTA and CETA
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a master's thesis that analyzes and compares the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the similarities and differences between the two agreements, their negotiation processes, and their economic impacts.
What are the main objectives of the thesis?
The thesis aims to provide a comparative analysis of NAFTA and CETA, examining their structures, tariff and non-tariff aspects, negotiation processes, and economic effects on employment, trade volume, and economic growth. It also critically evaluates the controversies surrounding both agreements.
What topics are covered in each chapter?
The Introduction sets the stage, outlining the scope and methodology. The Distinction of CETA and NAFTA chapter compares the agreements' emergence and key features, analyzing tariff and non-tariff aspects. The Critical Comparison chapter examines contentious issues like transparency, investment protection, and standards harmonization. The Economic Effects chapter investigates the impact on employment, trade volume, and economic growth. Finally, a Conclusion and outlook chapter summarizes the findings.
What are the key differences between NAFTA and CETA?
While the document provides a detailed comparison across multiple aspects (tariffs, non-tariffs, negotiation processes, economic impacts), it highlights the differences in their historical and political contexts, approaches to trade barriers and regulations, and the controversies surrounding their negotiations and implementation. Specific differences are explored within the individual chapters.
What are the key economic impacts discussed in the thesis?
The thesis analyzes the economic consequences of both agreements on employment, trade volume, and economic growth. It uses statistical data and economic models to assess both positive and negative impacts, including job creation, trade imbalances, and economic diversification.
What are the key controversies surrounding NAFTA and CETA?
The thesis examines controversies related to the lack of transparency in negotiations, disagreements over investment protection mechanisms, and challenges in harmonizing standards. It considers the perspectives of various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society groups.
What keywords are associated with this thesis?
Keywords include NAFTA, CETA, free trade agreements, tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers, investment protection, economic effects, trade volume, employment, economic growth, comparative analysis, international trade, and historical comparison.
- Quote paper
- Paul Petersen (Author), 2018, An analysis of the benefits and critique between the free trade agreements NAFTA and CETA in a historical comparison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/429183
