International Integration

Trends in International Political Economy: International Integration

Introduction to International Integration

The growth of international integration has been equally dramatic, with the most important developments occurring in Europe. The European Union (EU), formed in the 1950s, started with six countries coordinating coal and steel policies, then lowering tariffs to allow free trade among themselves. By 2004 the EU had 25 member nations. The organization closely coordinates virtually all aspects of the economic policies of member nations, from trade and immigration to labor regulations and agricultural policies. In 1999 a group of EU member nations adopted the euro, a single currency intended to replace the national currencies in most European countries. Outside of Europe regional integration has proceeded more slowly, with the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994 and less influential agreements in other regions of the world. ” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about International Integration in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to International Integration