Background
A common market represents an advanced form of economic integration, beyond mere free trade or customs unions, characterized by seamless freedom for goods, services, labor, and capital to move across borders of member countries.
Historical Context
The concept of a common market began taking substantial form post-World War II as European countries sought to create stronger economic and political ties. The European Economic Community, formed with the Treaty of Rome in 1957, was among the pioneering entities transitioning to what is now known as the European Union, the most prominent example of a common market.
Definitions and Concepts
A common market integrates economies on a deeper level than a customs union, removing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Member countries ensure that not only can goods and services be traded freely, but also:
- Full labor mobility: Individuals can reside and work in any member country, and their professional qualifications are mutually recognized, subject to local language requirements.
- Full capital mobility: There are no exchange controls, and firms can establish operations anywhere within the union freely.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economics emphasizes the efficiency of free markets. A common market aligns with classical principles by promoting unhindered trade and mobility, which theoretically leads to optimal allocation of resources and maximized productivity.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economics supports the idea that free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital, as seen in a common market, fosters competition, enhances productivity, and raises consumer welfare through better choices and lower prices.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesian economics may examine a common market in terms of its macroeconomic stability, considering how coordinated fiscal policies among member nations in a common market can help in dealing with economic cycles.
Marxian Economics
From a Marxian perspective, a common market can be seen as another step towards international capitalism, possibly highlighting issues such as exploitation and inequalities inherent within and among member countries.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists would study the rules, norms, and governance structures within a common market, emphasizing the role institutions play in ensuring smooth functioning of such integrated economic systems.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economics would provide insights into how individual choices and behavior are influenced by the removal of barriers within a common market and whether economic agents adapt efficiently to new operational freedoms.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesians might focus on the impact of a common market on economic sovereignty and policy space, raising concerns about member nations’ ability to address local economic issues.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economics would appreciate the reduced government intervention in economic activities within a common market but remains cautious about any regulatory frameworks imposed to enforce the market integration.
Development Economics
In context of development economics, a common market might be scrutinized for its effects on developing member nations, potentially fostering more rapid growth through increased investment but also challenging local industries to adapt to increased competition.
Monetarism
Monetarists would likely analyze the impact of integrated financial markets on monetary policy, inflation control, and the synchronization of monetary policies across member countries.
Comparative Analysis
Comparison of common markets often involves analyzing the successes and challenges faced by different examples, like the European Union and the failed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Factors include economic benefits, policy harmonization, and political cohesion.
Case Studies
- European Union (EU): The most extensive example, facilitating significant economic growth and stability among member nations.
- Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR): Though not as integrated as the EU, it fosters regional cooperation in South America.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- The Economics of European Integration by Richard Baldwin and Charles Wyplosz.
- Economic Integration and Policy Choices: The European Experience by Ron Gass.
- Regional Integration and Development by Maurice Schiff and L. Alan Winters.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Customs Union: A type of trade bloc which is composed of a free trade area with a common external tariff.
- Free Trade Area: A region in which a group of countries has signed a free-trade agreement, reducing or eliminating barriers to trade.
- Economic Union: A type of trade bloc that features full economic integration and harmonized economic policies.
By understanding the intricacies of a common market, policymakers, economists, and academics can better navigate and optimize the benefits such integrated systems offer.
