DO YOU AGREE THAT COMPANIES DOMINATE OUR CULTURE?

 Nations more interdependent than ever  Computers, technology, internet all help spread info and ideas  Free trade and global exchange of goods led to economic growth

 The idea that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected  Examples: ▪ Read newspapers from around the globe ▪ Download US music in Australia ▪ African doctors using European practices from databases  Ideas and goods becoming universal

 Foreign trade helps economy  Lowered barriers since WWII (both parties)  Imports/Exports will keep costs down and help businesses by selling goods abroad  Opponents warned of secondary effects such as loss of jobs to places with lower regulations

 North American Free Trade Agreement (1994)  Free-trade zone between the countries  US exports rose dramatically (104% to Canada and Mexico)  Opponents feared job loss to Mexico ▪ Did it happen?  Led to increases in technology and more skilled jobs

 European Union (EU)  Economic and Political Cooperation  Common Bank and Currency (Euro)  Removed Trade Barriers and Import Policies on non- members  APEC: Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation  Most nations with coastline on Pacific (US, Canada, China, South Korea, Mexico, Russia…)  Controlled 47% of Global Trade in 2001  Political differences a hindrance for group

 Clinton convinces Congress to enable US participation  Pros for WTO  Cheaper Imports, New Markets, Copyright Protection  Cons for WTO  Bound to accept WTOs decisions in trade disputes

 After Tiananmen Square, US cut off many relations with China  Clinton viewed China as a huge market for goods  Normal Trade Status passed in 2000  Opponents feared inexpensive Chinese goods hurt US markets, pollution hurts environment

 CFCs destroy ozone  1987: US and 22 other nations agree to phase out CFCs and other damaging chemicals  Global Warming: increase in average world temperatures over time  Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions in 1997 ▪ 38 nations and the EU  Clinton signed on, but never put bill to Senate due to opposition; Bush removed US from protocol