Svietlov A. Continental integration strategy of the U.S. in the context of globalization

The thesis focuses on factors, mechanisms and applications of the U.S. continental integration strategy in the context of globalization. The research reveals the paradigmatic principles of regional integration processes. The author describes the main factors leading to the modification of regional integration strategies and benchmarks them based on a number of quantitative and qualitative indicators. Special attention in the thesis is paid to the study of the NAFTA with regard to the implementation stages of this integration strategy which allowed the researcher to determine the most effective one based on the dynamics of intra-regional trade, direct investment, migration flows and macroeconomic performance of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. The thesis reveals the preconditions and mechanisms for the implementation of the U.S. continental integration strategy. The author suggests the most effective institutional mechanisms given the shallow integration interaction between the USA and less developed countries in South America. The researcher conducts the scenario analysis of the U.S. continental integration strategy and assesses its impact on the liberalization process in the WTO.