Question

What are some objections critics have raised in response to global agreements and organizations? Check all that apply.

International treaties can limit the influence of the United States.
NAFTA has resulted in a loss of jobs for many American workers.
The Kyoto Protocol did not do enough to protect the environment.
The United Nations is often ineffective at solving global problems.
The World Bank does not provide loans to countries that need them.
Rules set by the World Trade Organization benefit only big corporations.

Answer 1

Apply: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6.

Brief reasons:
- International treaties can limit U.S. influence — critics argue treaties can constrain national sovereignty and policy choices.
- NAFTA has resulted in a loss of jobs for many American workers — a frequent criticism about offshoring and manufacturing job declines.
- The Kyoto Protocol did not do enough to protect the environment — environmental advocates said its targets were insufficient and/or excluded major emitters.
- The United Nations is often ineffective at solving global problems — common complaints cite bureaucracy, slow action, and Security Council vetoes.
- Rules set by the World Trade Organization benefit only big corporations — critics say WTO rules favor multinational firms and wealthy countries over workers, small producers, and the environment.

Do not apply: “The World Bank does not provide loans to countries that need them.”
(While critics raise other concerns about the World Bank — conditionality, policy influence, or inadequate aid — it does in fact provide loans to many developing countries.)