Mercosur and FTAA: A Critical Assessment

Introduction

In his book, Mercosur and FTAA: A Critical Assessment, Henrique Rattner provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the Mercosur and FTAA trade agreements. Rattner argues that these agreements are not in the best interests of the countries involved, and he offers a number of alternatives that would be more beneficial to all parties.

The Mercosur Agreement

The Mercosur agreement was signed in 1991 by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The agreement created a free trade area among the four countries, and it also established a common external tariff. The Mercosur agreement has been hailed as a success by some, but Rattner argues that it has actually had a number of negative consequences for the countries involved.

One of the main problems with the Mercosur agreement is that it has led to increased inequality within the region. The agreement has benefited large corporations and wealthy individuals, but it has hurt small businesses and farmers. This is because the agreement has made it easier for large corporations to import goods from outside the region, which has put local businesses at a disadvantage.

Another problem with the Mercosur agreement is that it has led to increased environmental degradation. The agreement has encouraged the expansion of agriculture and other industries, which has led to deforestation and pollution. The agreement has also made it more difficult for governments to regulate the activities of corporations, which has further contributed to environmental degradation.

The FTAA Agreement

The FTAA agreement was signed in 1994 by 34 countries in the Americas. The agreement would create a free trade area among all of the countries in the Americas, and it would also establish a common external tariff. The FTAA agreement has been hailed as a success by some, but Rattner argues that it would actually have a number of negative consequences for the countries involved.

One of the main problems with the FTAA agreement is that it would lead to increased inequality within the region. The agreement would benefit large corporations and wealthy individuals, but it would hurt small businesses and farmers. This is because the agreement would make it easier for large corporations to import goods from outside the region, which would put local businesses at a disadvantage.

Another problem with the FTAA agreement is that it would lead to increased environmental degradation. The agreement would encourage the expansion of agriculture and other industries, which would lead to deforestation and pollution. The agreement would also make it more difficult for governments to regulate the activities of corporations, which would further contribute to environmental degradation.

Alternatives to Mercosur and FTAA

Rattner argues that there are a number of alternatives to the Mercosur and FTAA agreements that would be more beneficial to the countries involved. One alternative is to create a regional trade agreement that is based on fair trade principles. This agreement would ensure that small businesses and farmers are not disadvantaged by the agreement, and it would also protect the environment.

Another alternative is to create a regional trade agreement that is based on the principles of sustainable development. This agreement would ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment.

Conclusion

Rattner concludes that the Mercosur and FTAA agreements are not in the best interests of the countries involved. He argues that there are a number of alternatives to these agreements that would be more beneficial to all parties. Rattner's book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the future of trade in the Americas.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in the future of trade in the Americas, then you should buy this book. Rattner provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the Mercosur and FTAA trade agreements, and he offers a number of alternatives that would be more beneficial to all parties. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex issues surrounding trade in the Americas.