The Alca - Rubens Ricupero

The Alca: A History of the Latin American Free Trade Association

Rubens Ricupero's The Alca is a comprehensive and authoritative history of the Latin American Free Trade Association (ALCA). Ricupero, a former Brazilian ambassador to the United States and Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), provides a detailed account of the ALCA's origins, development, and challenges.

The Origins of the ALCA

The ALCA was conceived in the early 1960s as a way to promote economic integration and development in Latin America. The idea was to create a free trade area among all of the countries in the region, which would allow for the free movement of goods, services, and capital.

The ALCA was officially launched in 1980 with the signing of the Montevideo Treaty. The treaty established a framework for the creation of a free trade area, but it did not set a specific timetable for its implementation.

The Development of the ALCA

In the 1990s, the ALCA gained new momentum with the election of pro-trade governments in many Latin American countries. In 1994, the United States and Canada joined the ALCA negotiations, and in 2005, the negotiations were expanded to include all of the countries in the Americas.

The ALCA negotiations were complex and difficult, and there were many disagreements among the participating countries. However, in 2005, the countries reached an agreement on a final text for the ALCA treaty.

The Challenges of the ALCA

The ALCA has faced a number of challenges, including:

• Political opposition: There is significant political opposition to the ALCA in some countries, particularly in Brazil and Argentina. Critics of the ALCA argue that it will benefit large corporations at the expense of small businesses and workers.
• Economic disparities: There are significant economic disparities among the countries in the Americas, and some countries are concerned that the ALCA will exacerbate these disparities.
• Environmental concerns: There are concerns that the ALCA will lead to increased environmental degradation, as countries compete to attract investment by lowering environmental standards.

The Future of the ALCA

The future of the ALCA is uncertain. The treaty has not yet been ratified by all of the participating countries, and there is significant opposition to it in some countries. However, the ALCA remains a goal for many Latin American countries, and it is likely that the negotiations will continue in the future.

Why You Should Read The Alca

The Alca is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of Latin America and the future of economic integration in the region. Ricupero's book provides a detailed and authoritative account of the ALCA, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities facing Latin America in the 21st century.

Conclusion

The Alca is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Latin America and the future of economic integration in the region. Ricupero's book provides a detailed and authoritative account of the ALCA, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities facing Latin America in the 21st century.