Keywords
functionalism/neofunctionalism
security community
regional political/economic integration
socioeconomic electoral criteria
electoral externalities
multiculturalism
evangelism
How to Cite
Abstract
Given unwieldy cross-border electoral spillovers, how feasible is North American political integration? Even by largely satisfying neofunctionalist and security community theoretical tenets, this study finds North American political integration ultimately depends on: (a) a bipartisan orientation shift; (b) institutionalizing this shift; (c) the relative weight of integrative and disintegrative instincts; (d) safeguards against external shocks; (e) creating new opportunities of cooperation; and (f) leadership compatibility. Among other findings: (a) U.S. elections impact Canada and Mexico more than vice versa; (b) insufficient Canadian-Mexican economic flows deepen asymmetry towards the United States; (c) both ideology and pragmatic leadership fuel North Americanization; and (d) post-Cold War issues actually increase Mexicoís Washington influence at Canadaís expense. By favoring interdependence over integration, asymmetry ultimately becomes the straw that will break the North American camelís back.Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
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