Ann Kingsolver presents stories people have tole about NAFTA - young people and old, urban and rural, with differing political perspectives, occupations, and other markers of identity - that demonstrate their expectations and imaginations of the sweeping trade agreement. NAFTA. Kingsolver contends, both before and after its passage, became a catch-all in public discourse for tensions related to neoliberal policies and to economic and cultural processes of globalization. The storytellers in her book, from Mexico, Kentucky, and California, imagined the meaning and possible effects of regional integration on topics ranging from agriculture, to the stereotyping of workers, to national sovereignty and identity. NAFTA became invested with possibilities far beyond the scope of its literal provisions. Kingsolver analyzes the metaphorical meanings attributed to NAFTA, whether a giant truck in your rear-view mirror(in Ralph Nader's words) or a panacea for what they tell us about the changing relationship between national governments and their publics. She finds that, rather than strengthening national authority, the passage of NAFTA led to intense public questioning and deep political divi

The North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, has been one of the most hotly contested political and economic issues of the past 20 years. Contrary to much of the discussion in the U. S. media, this volume examines small family farms in Mexico which have fared worse economically since NAFTA s passage. A distinguished group of contributors provide historical background, policy analysis, case studies, comparisons with large agribusiness corporations, and recommendations for ways to improve the situation of small farms in the future. This volume will be essential to the understanding of multinational trade issues and agriculture in the twenty-first century."

"October 1993." Includes bibliographical references (p. 186-189) and index.

Mexican cuisine has emerged as a paradox of globalization. Food enthusiasts throughout the world celebrate the humble taco at the same time that Mexicans are eating fewer tortillas and more processed food. Today Mexico is experiencing an epidemic of diet-related chronic illness. The precipitous rise of obesity and diabetes—attributed to changes in the Mexican diet—has resulted in a public health emergency. In her gripping new book, Alyshia Gálvez exposes how changes in policy following NAFTA have fundamentally altered one of the most basic elements of life in Mexico—sustenance. Mexicans are faced with a food system that favors food security over subsistence agriculture, development over sustainability, market participation over social welfare, and ideologies of self-care over public health. Trade agreements negotiated to improve lives have resulted in unintended consequences for people’s everyday lives.

"Very readable book written during height of NAFTA debate. Remains a valuable resource for discussing impact of the trade agreement in Mexico and US"--Handbook of Latin American Studies, v. 57.

This is a journalistic chronicle of contemporary labor wars and organizing on the United States/Mexican border. Based on gripping firsthand reports, this book investigates the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on those who labor in the agricultural fields and maquiladora factories on the border.

Created from NAFTA, for the first time, provides an in-depth examination and analysis of the structure, functions, and performance of the NAFTA institutions from their inception to the present day.