Video Summary

Speaker: Robert Pastor, American University

• 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.