 | ISBN: 978-1-55587-974-7 $55.00 | |
| ISBN: 978-1-58826-915-7 $55.00 | ||
| 2001/253 pages/LC: 2001019617 | ||
NAFTA, Kingsolver contends, both before and after its passage, became a catch-all in public discourse for tensions related to neoliberal policies and to economic and cultural processes of globalization. The storytellers in her book, from Mexico, Kentucky, and California, imagined the meaning and possible effects of regional integration on topics ranging from agriculture, to the stereotyping of workers, to national sovereignty and identity. NAFTA became invested with possibilities far beyond the scope of its literal provisions.
Kingsolver analyzes the metaphorical meanings attributed to NAFTA, whether "a giant truck in your rear-view mirror"(in Ralph Nader's words) or a panacea for what they tell us about the changing relationship between national governments and their publics. She finds that, rather than strengthening national authority, the passage of NAFTA led to intense public questioning and deep political divisions in both Mexico and the U.S.
"An eloquent illustration of how much we have to gain from continuing to employ and refine qualitative approaches to our study of global politics."—Natalie Hevener Kaufman, Global Connections
"Kingsolver presents a fascinating account of the anti-NAFTA movement in Mexico and the United States, illustrating the absences of a ‘NAFTA identity.'"—Mario E. Carranza, Latin American Politics and Society
"Kingsolver has created a fascinating text out of separate but clearly related stories about race, nationalism, globalization, and power."—KarenMary Davalos