Understanding USMCA Through Mearsheimer’s Ideas

At NAECE, we believe in asking better questions—especially when it comes to the systems and agreements that shape our future.

Instead of telling you why we think the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) is good or bad for North America, we want to introduce a thinker whose ideas challenge us to look deeper: John J. Mearsheimer.

Who is John Mearsheimer?

John Mearsheimer is a political scientist and international relations scholar best known for developing the theory of offensive realism. His work doesn’t focus on trade agreements or economics per se, but on the bigger picture: why powerful countries act the way they do—and what that means for the rest of the world.

His landmark book, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001), offers a way to understand international behavior not through ideals, but through power.

A Summary of His Worldview

In The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, Mearsheimer argues that the world is governed by anarchy—not chaos, but a lack of overarching authority. No country can be completely sure what another intends.

In that uncertainty, the safest path for any major power is to grow stronger and aim to dominate its region.

According to Mearsheimer:

• States seek power not out of greed, but out of fear.
• Regional hegemony—being the most powerful country in your neighborhood—is the goal.
• Economic tools, like trade agreements, are often used to strengthen geopolitical standing.
• Cooperation is real—but often fragile, temporary, and shaped by power imbalances.

It’s a sobering view of how the world works. But it also offers a useful lens for understanding agreements like the USMCA.

How Does This Connect to the USMCA?

The USMCA is often described as a win for modern trade, economic growth, and regional unity. But if we view it through Mearsheimer’s lens, other questions emerge:

• Does the agreement reflect a balance of interests—or a tilt toward U.S. dominance?
• Are the economic frameworks supporting sovereignty—or limiting it?
• Do rules around energy, labor, and environment create fairness—or favor certain players?
• Is the agreement a sign of deep cooperation—or a strategy to preserve power within the region?
  
  

These questions don’t have easy answers. But they are worth asking—especially as we build systems meant to last for generations.

Why NAECE Cares

NAECE was founded to support transparency, sustainability, and innovation across North America. We’re committed to a future where technology and policy serve people—and the planet.

That means understanding not just how things work, but why they work the way they do.

By sharing Mearsheimer’s perspective, we invite you to think critically about the forces shaping our continent—not just politically, but economically and environmentally.

Agreements like the USMCA are not just legal documents; they are reflections of deeper dynamics.

What Can You Do?

You don’t need to be a political scientist to engage with these ideas. Read. Question. Discuss. Here’s where to start:

Recommended Reading:

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John J. Mearsheimer
(Available in print, digital, and audiobook formats)

Questions to Consider:

• How do power and cooperation coexist in North American trade?
• Is regional integration a step toward equality—or control?
• What role should civil society play in shaping these systems?
  
  

Let’s build a smarter, more transparent future—together.
Because power isn’t just about control. It’s about responsibility.