7.pptSupranationalism
- A venture involving three or more states (countries), for political, economic, and/or cultural cooperation to promote shared objectives
- Examples include the: UN, EU, NAFTA, NATO; also the British Empire, and the British Commonwealth
European Union
- The European Union was formed at the end of the Twentieth Century and today includes most of the countries of Europe. Reasons (goals) for forming it include:
- To end conflict and war in Europe
- Economic growth, specifically to create an economy which can compete with the U.S.
- To play a more important role in world affairs
European Union
Centripetal forces for an EU include:
-Parliamentary governments
-Common legal codes
-Common economies
-Judeo-Christian ethics
-Modern societies emphasizing technology and scientific change
-Shared cultural traditions
European Union
Creation of one market for goods similar to the U. S. domestic market
Free movement of citizens for work
Creation of one market for capital
Improved transportation and communications
European Union
5. A common Regional Policy concerning improved standard of living and quality of life
6. A common Social Policy concerning improved health, safety, pensions, and leisure
7. A common Environmental Policy
EU-Programs
- Schengen Agreement –Open borders for free movement of peoples.
- Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) –pays farmers to produce large surplus, promotes machines, large fields (what if imports cheaper?)
- European Monetary Union (Euro Zone)
- Not all EU members belong to these
European Union
Problems
-There is no agreement on a constitution
-Large, rich countries must prop up weaker economies
-Unique cultural attributes may be lost
-This is a club of MDC countries which will not let others in
North American Free Trade Agreement
- Founded 1992 by Canada, Mexico, and the United States
- Has created the largest economy in the world
- The economies of the three countries are now closely tied together
Mexico and NAFTA
- Mexico focuses on labor-intensive manufacturing. It imports semi-processed parts and assembles the finished items in Maquiladoras, then exports the product to Canada and the U.S.
- Today there are over 300 plants with over 1 million workers.
Mexico and NAFTA
- Cultural changes include:
- Migration from rural areas to cities
- Less agricultural production
- Need to change education beyond an 8th grade system
- Move to 3rd stage of the demographic transition
