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Student Handout: International Organizations

A student handout to introduce the international organizations that they will encounter in this lesson.

Overviews of International Organizations 

  • United Nations (UN): The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It consists of 193 member states and operates through various bodies, including the General Assembly, Security Council, and specialized agencies. The UN addresses a wide range of global issues, including conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, human rights, and sustainable development. 
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): NATO is a military alliance established in 1949 to ensure the collective defense of its member states against potential threats, particularly from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It consists of 32 member countries from North America and Europe who are committed to mutual defense and cooperation in the areas of security, defense, and crisis management. NATO promotes stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region through deterrence and defense measures. 
  • North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): NAFTA was a trade agreement signed in 1994 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, aimed at eliminating tariffs and trade barriers among the three countries. It facilitated the flow of goods, services, and investments across borders, promoting economic growth and integration in North America. NAFTA was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020, which modernized and updated certain provisions of the original agreement. 
  • United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): USMCA is a trade agreement that replaced NAFTA in 2020. It governs trade relations among the United States, Mexico, and Canada and includes provisions related to intellectual property rights, digital trade, labor standards, environmental protections, and rules of origin for automobiles and agriculture products. USMCA aims to modernize and enhance North American trade while addressing concerns raised under NAFTA.