The cost of unequal integration: an interdisciplinary agenda for its rediscovery in North America and beyond

Abstract This paper addresses the need for a new analytical framework to reach a thorough understanding of the outcomes of unequal trade integration, in North America and beyond. To achieve this goal, it was divided in four main sections: the deconstruction of the orthodox argument of free trade areas; the assessment of the contrasting outcomes of NAFTA; an overview of relevant literature; and the delineation of an interdisciplinary agenda. The hypothesis is that the lack of theoretical certainty is due, in parts, to the causal opening of the object of study and to the scarce interaction of specialties.

摘要 本文旨在构建全新分析框架，以深入理解北美及全球范围内不平等贸易一体化所产生的各类成果。为达成该研究目标，本文共分为四大核心章节：对自由贸易区正统论证的解构、对北美自由贸易协定（NAFTA）差异化成果的评估、相关研究文献综述，以及跨学科研究议程的勾勒。本研究提出的假说认为，理论确定性的缺失在一定程度上源于研究对象的因果开放性，以及不同学科专业间的互动匮乏。