The North American Idea: A Vision of a Continental Future

by Robert A. Pastor

In its first seven years, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) tripled trade among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the region's share of the world economy grew from 30 to 36 percent. In 2001, however, North America peaked. Trade slowed among the three, manufacturing jobs shrunk, and illegal migration and drug-related violence soared. Europe caught up, and China leaped ahead.

In The North American Idea , eminent scholar and policy-maker Robert Pastor demonstrates that no two countries are more important to the U.S. economy, security, and society than Canada and Mexico. He explains that NAFTA's mandate was too limited to address the new North American agenda. Interest groups and nativism inhibited bolder proposals, and the three governments lost their way. To overcome resistance and inertia, the leaders need to start with an idea big enough to inspire people in all three countries to forge a formidable region able to compete with a dynamic East Asia. Drawing on first-hand experience as a policy-maker and analyst, Pastor shows how this idea--once woven into the national consciousness of the three countries--could mobilize public support for continental solutions to problems that have confounded each nation working on its own. To stimulate trade and reduce illegal migration, for example, the three countries should establish a fund to invest in the
continent's infrastructure. Such a fund would be impossible without leadership and an idea of the continent's current importance and its future promise.

Challenging readers to view our continent in a new way, Robert Pastor offers an expansive vision and a detailed blueprint for a more integrated, dynamic, and equitable North America.

Genres: Politics

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2011

Reviews

[Rodger Payne]

I read this during my Fulbright semester in Canada and found it full of interesting ideas about how to increase ties among the US, Canada, and Mexico. Coincidentally, I attended an academic workshop dedicated to producing an updated version of this work posthumously.

[Christopher]

Since NAFTA was passed in 1994, the idea of an integrated economy between the North American countries of the United States, Mexico, and Canada has suffered in the aftermath of 9/11 and the United States' policy to circle the wagons rather than work with its neighbors on trade, security, and immigration. Into this breach comes Mr. Pastor's book reminding us that the idea of a North American community is new and still has potential to change the economic and political game. I think his argument, that all three countries have more to gain from cooperation and collaboration, is both sound and common sense in spite of the hysterics of TV pundits. I just wish he could've made a more persuasive argument. The book is sound, but I doubt that it is going to change the minds of those who oppose increased economic integration. Still, there are some fascinating facts such as the fact that ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach have reached their maximum capacity and the U.S. will have to rely on ports like Tijuana to feed the West Coast's demand. Or how statistics have shown that more people than you would think (but not a majority) think of themselves as a citizen of their country and North America. He makes a relatively persuasive case that the ideals that the countries hold dear, based on similar histories, are converging rather than diverging. In short, while this is a solid short read, it's doubtful that many people will change their minds about NAFTA after reading this.

[Scott Harris]

Tackling the three-headed creature that is North America, Pastor looks at historic and current continental issues with a view to analyzing the changing dynamics affect US, Canadian and Mexican relations. It provides a solid analysis of the post-NAFTA environments and highlights the every evolving nature of economic, social and political relations between these countries. While it closes with a complex multi-faceted vision for North America, it's most astute observation lies in the present need to foster relations between Canada and Mexico, in order to balance the predominant links between each and the US. In a world where the economic unions of other regions are rapidly falling apart, some of the proposals envisioned are likely too bold for the immediate future. Nevertheless, it offers a way to discuss, debate and even assess the potential development of this continent.

[Josh]

I have this book 3 stars, not because it was bad, I just couldn't stay engaged. I wasn't at all interested in the material. I had to read it for class, and it was a struggle to get it done.