Regional Alliances Common interests

North Atlantic Treaty Organization -- NATO A military alliance. Formed in 1949 Original members- - Canada, Great Britain, U.S.A., and six other European nations Purpose was security. Prevented attacks by the Soviet Union

NATO

The United Nations Formed in October 1945 by 50 nations to: Maintain international peace Create a global conscience to solve social, economic, and humanitarian issues. 192 current members

UN Total U.S. Contributions to the UN System, Both Assessed and Voluntary - Estimated at $3.0 Billion Humanitarian/Human Rights - 39% Environment - 2% Development - 8% Weapons of Mass Destruction - 3% UN Regular Budget - 9% UN Peacekeeping - 31% Open Markets - 4% Health - 4% *Percentages reflect how U.S. dollars are divided within the UN system. Supports efforts to protect human rights and stop AIDS, Bird Flu, and ethnic killings (genocide) There have been difficulties with many goals due to lack of resources.

The UN

The European Union In 1992 the Maastricht Treaty formed the EU. Purpose: eliminate restrictions on the transportation and sale of foreign goods within Europe. (Economic Purpose) Leads to the Euro– common currency in the EU.

EU Advantages: more social programs, common currency, political stability. Disadvantage: countries autonomy decreases, not all of Europe participates.

EU 27 members today

Association of Southeast Asian Nations Founded 1967 Purpose: start economic and social progress among South East Asian countries.

ASEAN Members have seen more economic and political growth than other countries in SE Asia. In 1992 they have agreed to free trade amongst the members.

ASEAN

OPEC: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries In 1960, Venezuela along with the 4 Gulf states- Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia formed OPEC. These countries cut oil production to: Cut supplies Increase Demand Increase Prices

NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement Goals: Trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada Goals: Eliminates tariffs in trade and protects intellectual copyrights between all the countries Create free trade zones

NAFTA