egotiate an increase of free trade in North America. The reason for political opposition to free trade stems from the implications it has for the sovereignty of the United States. Whenever a state agrees to loosen its regulations, it relinquishes some power over international relations. Thus, the increased globalization resulting from freer trade is a source of political turmoil. Many American politicians are against free trade and globalization because it results in increased power for the international economy and lessened power of the sovereign state. The WTO is not only the receiver of political condemnation, but it is also the target of trade unionists and environmentalists. The WTO does not explicitly outline rules for human rights or the environment. Consequently, as the world becomes increasingly globalized through free trade, many are concerned about the ramifications this may have on laborers and the environment. The rules of the GATT include a restriction of slave labor, however, they make no mention of child labor or sweatshop conditions. In addition, there are no international restrictions on production emissions or wastes that may have a harmful impact on the global environment. These issues were the cause of protest last December in Seattle. Demonstrators were outraged that the WTO, the organization that orchestrates international free trade, seemingly has no concern for people or the planet. All the controversy surrounding globalization and its factors forces one to ask: is free trade good or bad? Well, it depends on one's perspective. Free trade leads to globalization, and globalization leads to many changes in our world. Many see free trade as an opportunity for all states to thrive through involvement in the global economy. Others regard globalization with ske...
