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Regional Blocs GapFill
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Although the European Union is perhaps the best known and most thoroughly integrated regional institution, similar organisations exist around the world. Rather than political or economic unions, some of these institutions are simply trading blocs, though others have developed more advanced and formal structures of international cooperation.
came into force in 1994 as a trading bloc consisting of Canada, Mexico and the United States. It is often considered the largest trade agreement in the world, with the combined GDP of its three signatories exceeding that of any other trading bloc. Its primary aim was to remove - meaning extra charges on imports - on all goods and services exchanged between the three countries. The current US administration has made replacing the current agreement a key policy aim, arguing that it unfairly benefits its competitors; however, in 2020 it remains in place.
was formed in 1999 and consists of every UN-recognised country in the continent. Its aims are far broader than merely a trade arrangement, seeking to replicate much of the economic union that exists in Europe, introducing a customs union, single market and single currency for the continent. The organisation has faced significant challenges in its existence, such as multiple civil wars and failed states, ongoing epidemics, widespread poverty and ecological degradation. Divisions between member states as to how to approach these issues is considered to have slowed the process of integration, as has a lack of available to it and a commitment to prioritising the national sovereignty of its members.
is a much older organisation; formed in 1945 with initially nine member states, it now has 22 member states. The organisation's primary role throughout its history has been to mediate conflicts involving its members. This has been especially notable with regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict, with most of its member states not recognising Israel. It has deployed peacekeeping forces to areas of tension and conflict - similarly to the UN, these forces are comprised of troops from national . The organisation retains a founding commitment to regional unity, but usually seeks to uphold national sovereignty rather than reduce it. While its role in security issues is perhaps more advanced than that of many other regional organisations, it has achieved very little in terms of economic integration. This is in part due to other international institutions such as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) often coordinating joint responses among its resource-wealthy member states.
Finally, was founded in 1967 and has 10 member states. Although it was initially formed as a bulwark against communism, it has since shifted its aims and now pursues ambitious policies of economic union. It has begun to negotiate trade agreements as a bloc, the most significant of these, with China, being signed in 2020. It is often regarded as being more responsive to each of its member states than other regional institutions, though arguably this is easier with fewer members. Areas of success for the organisation have included gaining international recognition as a major global actor, investing heavily in the region's education facilities, and promoting with a common visa policy that encourages travel between member states.