NAFTA & Regional Trade Agreements

This course analyzes in detail the legal structures of non-global freer trade agreements, including but not limited to NAFTA.   It reviews GATT Article XXIV and the economic and policy debate (global vs. regional trade arrangements); discusses key aspects of NAFTA, including industrial development, investment dispute and other disputes; and analyzes legal and policy issues relating to the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA).  Other regional trade arrangements, including the Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur) and the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) are also considered.  The United States - Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement and its implementation in Vietnam, as an example of the impact of market opening measures in developing nations, is studied. Some attention is given to efforts in NAFTA to deal with environmental concerns.