"When it came into force in 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) joined the economic futures of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with rules governing trade and investment, dispute resolution, and economic relations.".

"However, economic integration among the three countries extends considerably beyond trade and investment. The NAFTA agreement takes a very narrow view of integration, barely addressing such vital issues as immigration policy and labor markets, the energy sector, environmental protection, and law enforcement.".

"The governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States now must confront the question of whether NAFTA is enough. Do they want to keep their trilateral relationship focused on economic matters or are they interested in integrating more deeply - perhaps initiating a process to build a North American community similar to the European Union?".

"This volume contains discussions about the future of North America by knowledgeable experts from each of the three countries. Robert Pastor has written one of the more comprehensive books on the subject, Toward a North American Community (Institute for International Economics, 2001). Andres Rozental is an ambassador at large for Mexico and president of Consejo Mexicano de Asuntos Internacionales, the country's leading foreign policy association.

Perrin Beatty is a former foreign minister of Canada and currently the president and CEO of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.".

"The governments of Canada, the United States, and Mexico face thorny challenges as they decide whether and how to accelerate, smooth, and institutionalize the integration process. Pastor, Rozental, and Beatty encourage greater dialogue among the three governments and their citizens, as well as more systematic thinking among policymakers and citizens about the promise and challenges of further North American integration."--BOOK JACKET.