Internet Exercises


1			Fortress Europe? It seems to be the case in the European Union (EU) at the present time. http://europa.eu/abc/keyfigures/index_en.htm Protectionism is in vogue, and shows no signs of going out of fashion. Nationalist sentiment is high, and there is a distinct effort to keep foreign competition out, and keep national companies in the hands of the locals. Concerns about the growing protectionism are quickly shot down by references to the looming recession and the need to keep people employed rather than seeking growth through the greater efficiency that comes with more competition. Some might argue that the EU is an example of economic integration gone bad. Discuss the economic and political arguments against regional economic integration. How do these arguments pertain to the current situation in the EU? Next go to the EU web site (http://europa.eu.int/index_en.htm) and examine the EU's official perspective on protectionism. Then, discuss the effect of a single market and single currency on competition within the EU. It has been suggested that while the U.S. might normally be in a position to raise issue with the EU's current actions, because of the Bush Administration's agenda to protect both U.S. steel workers and U.S. farmers, any criticism by the U.S. would seem to be unreasonable. Do you agree with this notion? As CEO of a U.S. company that is being shut out of the EU, what action should you take? See also BBC story 'Fortress Europe' raises the drawbridge http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2042779.stm Source: "Putting Up Walls," Businessweek, 12/30/02, p.56.




2			NAFTA http://www.witiger.com/internationalbusiness/NAFTA.htm U.S. ~ Canada trade - very large, and stable U.S. ~ Mexico trade - large, and growing fast Canada ~ Mexico trade - very small, and not growing fast On the website of the federal government's dept. of Industry Canada, http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ic1.nsf/en/home you can find an informative PDF document which describes Canada's trade performance. In the context of NAFTA http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ait-aci.nsf/en/il00038e.html View the U.S. government site on NAFTA http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/international_agreements/free_trade/nafta/

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