Rethinking Free Trade, Economic Integration and Human Rights in the Americas

This book provides the first systematic overview of the protection of human rights in trade agreements in the Americas, highlighting how the framework for human rights protection has evolved with economic integration. It examines key regional integration processes and the North American Free Trade Agreement, making it essential reading for scholars in free trade and human rights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive monograph provides the first systematic exploration of the protection of human rights within trade agreements in the Americas. Traditionally, trade agreements in the region have primarily focused on economic matters, with limited attention given to human rights. However, in the aftermath of the emergence of 'new regionalism' towards the end of the last century, there has been a significant increase in the inclusion of clauses addressing social issues such as labor rights and environmental standards in trade agreements. As economic integration has progressed, a framework for the protection of human rights has gradually developed, enabling the enforcement of these rights on a transnational scale while also fostering regional identities.

The book examines the four key regional integration processes in the Americas, including the Caribbean Community, the Central American Integration System, the Andean Community of Nations, and the Southern Common Market. It also takes into account the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has played a pivotal role in shaping trade relations in the region. By analyzing these processes and examining key sources in English for the first time, the book offers valuable insights into the evolution of human rights protection within trade agreements in the Americas.

The book argues that the framework established for the protection of human rights in trade agreements allows for the harmonization of standards and the promotion of shared values across different countries. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating human rights considerations into trade policies to ensure that the benefits of globalization are distributed fairly and that the rights and dignity of individuals are safeguarded.

Furthermore, the book explores the challenges and opportunities that arise from the integration of trade and human rights. It discusses the role of international institutions, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, in promoting and monitoring the implementation of human rights provisions in trade agreements. It also examines the impact of trade agreements on the rights of vulnerable groups, such as workers, indigenous peoples, and environmentalists, and explores strategies for addressing these concerns.

In conclusion, this monograph is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists interested in the protection of human rights in trade agreements in the Americas. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of human rights protection in trade agreements and offers insights into the future direction. By promoting the integration of trade and human rights, the book contributes to the development of a more just and equitable global trading system that respects and protects the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 158 x 355 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509929832