Il NAFTA e l’economia messicana. Un caso di cooperazione tra Paesi sviluppati e Paesi in via di sviluppo - NAFTA and Mexico. An Example of Co-operation between Developed and Developing Countries

While NAFTA has not had the expected negative impact on the US economy, Mexico —theoretically the main winner from the deal— is currently facing a major economic and political crisis. The aim of NAFTA —and, in general, of regional agreements with or between developing countries— is political: encouraging and locking in economic reforms. NAFTA has exerted the desired influence on the Mexican economy, although with unexpected rapidity, and has finally made possible the reform of the inefficient and corrupt political system. From an economic point of view, the Mexican crisis will probably be solved through the current export boom and through the proposed national recovery plan curtailing consumption and fostering savings and investments. If the goal of transforming Mexico into a real democracy is reached, defeating economic instability, social unrest and the opposition of the establishment, the term “Second Mexican Revolution” will be fully deserved.