Does North America Exist?

Stephen Clarkson, author of the book Does North America Exist?: Governing after NAFTA and 9/11, discussed the relations between the countries in North America at a meeting at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Clarkson argued that North America does not exist in the same sense as the European Union exists. He said that North America has less power than the European Union and that globalization has begun to play a large part in the countries’ economic sector.

Charles Doran, Director of Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, stated that one of the areas which should change within North America is the labor market. By creating a free labor market between the countries, especially between U.S. and Canada, specialization will be achieved and the market will become more efficient. Establishing a common currency will also make the market more efficient and more jobs will be a result, said Doran. “ If it works in Europe, it can work here,” said Doran.

Sidney Weintraub, Professor Emeritus at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs of the University of Texas, stated that North America does not exist in the sense of its lack of continental governance. None of the countries in North America wants it and probably not its citizens either, said Weintraub.