New Multimedia: The Idea of North America
The 15 year debate over NAFTA has not ended. There still remain externalities and problems that have yet to be debated. However, opposition from both the left and right of the political spectrum remain entrenched in old debates. From the left, last year's Democratic primary race especially shed new light on the labor and environmental debates surrounding the treaty. From the right, Lou Dobbs has led the charge against continental integration and a North American Community. The state of North American integration must be re-evaluated. Where do we go from here?
On May 8, 2009, Dr. Robert Pastor participated in the IGSS lecture series and gave an informative talk on the future of North America. Dr. Pastor is Director of the Center for North American Studies (CNAS) , Vice President of International Affairs and Professor of International Relations at American University (AU) in Washington, D.C. Dr. Pastor is responsible for providing direction for AU's expanding international programs and activities, including the establishment of ABTI-American University of Nigeria. In addition, he directs the Centers for Democracy and Election Management (CDEM) and for North American Studies (CNAS), drawing together teaching, research, and service on key global themes for the 21st century - democracy and integration.
- ACCESS THE VIDEO HERE: http://www.portalfornorthamerica.org/multimedia/the-idea-of-north-america
- Other PNA Multimedia materials: http://www.portalfornorthamerica.org/multimedia
Embassy: The SPP's Death Knell has Sounded
Experts say Canada is now in a prime position to devise a new way forward on North American relations.
The Security and Prosperity Partnership, as we knew it, is dead. May it rest in peace. Laden with the weight of its own secrecy, and the tainted legacy of creator George W. Bush North America's leaders refused even to breathe its name at the recent trilateral summit in Guadalajara, Mexico. The SPP's final death certificate appeared on the grouping's US government-run website following Guadalajara, which declared the "Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) is no longer an active initiative."
Yet trilateral diplomacy appears to have piqued the interest of President Barack Obama, and word in Washington is that a new organization is on its way. While business is expected to retain its front-row seat, sources close to the White House say the labour movement and civil society will be key players in a forum that is much broader and more transparent than its predecessor.
With the fine details in flux, experts say Canada, which will play host to the Three Amigos next year, has a chance to help reconcieve the architecture of trilateral co-operation, which is considered more necessary than ever before.
Read more: http://www.embassymag.ca/page/view/spp_death_knell-8-26-2009
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