Description
Book SynopsisAs a participant in and negotiator of NAFTA and the World Trade Organization, Thomas A. Hockin provides a unique insider''s look at the political challenges to free trade and U. S. trade policy. In this timely and important book, Hockin explores the fragile ecosystem of multinational trade alliances in the face of insurgent political protests from both the left and the right. The American Nightmare takes a close look at WTO obstacles such as the failure of member countries to follow dispute settlement arrangements; the conflict surrounding the membership of China; and, the mercurial administration of trade law in the U.S. Hockin makes a convincing case for the current incoherence of American trade policy, warning of a possible collapse of the world economy if the WTO''s ability to settle disputes becomes further frustrated. With lucid analysis of the systemic problems involved in free trade and thoughtful possible solutions to them, The American Nightmare is a clarion call for policy m
Trade ReviewTom Hockin is uniquely qualified to write about international trade politics. The insight he shares with his readers flows from his strong academic background, extensive private sector experience, and the years he devoted to public service as an elected Member of Parliament and as Canada's Minister for International Trade. His multidisciplinary approach has produced a thoroughly readable and provocative book on one of today's most controversial topics—the impact of global trade on national sovereignty. -- James McIlroy, president of McIlroy & McIlroy, Trade Counsel, Toronto, Canada
The American Nightmare is a timely contribution to contemporary policy debates and a very highly recommended addition to Economic Studies reading lists and collections. * Midwest Book Review *
Proponents and opponents of the WTO can learn something from Hockin's analysis. * Foreign Affairs *
The nexus of trade policy making today involves the holy trinity of government, business, and nongovernmental organizations. Hockin weaves together these three strands of politics and prejudice in a richly detailed narrative. . . . He provides unequalled insights into the dispute settlement procedures at the WTO, especially those dealing with environmentally related trade issues. -- Alan M. Rugman, Leslie Waters Chair in International Business, Indiana University; author of The World Trade Organization in the New Global
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Ideological Resistance to the WTO and the Strangely Inarticulate Defenders of the WTO Chapter 2 Three Ways to Look at the Politics of Trade Policy Chapter 3 Beyond Ideological Challenges to the WTO Chapter 4 How WTO Disputes Get Settled and the U.S. Scorecard Chapter 5 The WTO in Practice Systematically Offending National Sovereignty Chapter 6 Chinese Torture? A Scrutiny into the Inscrutable Chapter 7 Dispute Settlement 'Chinese Style' Chapter 8 The Future of 'Free Trade for the Americas' and the Dispute Settlement Rules Chapter 9 Panels Matter, Politics Matter: Case Histories under the FTA and NAFTA Chapter 10 The Environmental and Labor Side Accords to NAFTA
