Regional Organisations Flashcards
what is NAFTA?
NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)
when was NAFTA founded and by whom?
founded in 1992, effective in 1994
original members – USA, Canada and Mexico
what are the main roles and objectives of NAFTA?
a free trade agreement eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade and investment on goods and services
the main objective is to improve trade and prosperity for the three signatory states
recent development of NAFTA
Donald Trump has pledged to rewrite the NAFTA agreement as he believes that NAFTA was the “worst trade deal ever” because Americans lost jobs
what is the AU?
AU (African Union)
when was the AU founded and by whom?
founded in 1999, effective in 2002
original members – 54 African countries
replaced the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)
what are the main roles and objectives of the AU?
its main role is to “accelerate the process of integration in the continent to enable it to play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems, compounded as they are by certain negative aspects of globalisation”
aims to rid the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonisation and apartheid
promote unity and solidarity among African states
coordinate and intensify cooperation for development
safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states
promote international cooperation within the framework of the UN
when was the Arab League founded and by whom?
founded in 1945
original members – Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria
what are the main objectives of the Arab League?
to encourage cooperation and the pursuit of common interests among Arab speaking states in Africa and the Middle East
recent development of the Arab League
now has 22 member states, including Palestine, but the organisation is divided, particularly on the issue of the Syrian Civil War
what is ASEAN?
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
when was ASEAN founded and by whom?
founded in 1967
original members – Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand
what are the main objectives of ASEAN?
to encourage economic, social, cultural, technological and educational development
to promote peace and stability in the region
to ensure adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and the rule of law
recent development of ASEAN
grown from 5 to 10 members
