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The NAFTA Debate: Trade, Politics, and Economy
This chapter explores the contentious background and implications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), focusing on the philosophical clashes it ignited regarding free trade's role in the U.S. economy. It examines the contrasting views of key political figures, especially Ross Perot and Bill Clinton, during the 1992 presidential campaign, amidst fears of labor exploitation and the impact on American jobs. Ultimately, the chapter highlights both the immediate economic growth following NAFTA's passage and the long-lasting consequences, including job losses and increasing income inequality.