Free Traders: Elites, Democracy, and the Rise of Globalization in North America delves into the political and economic forces that shaped today’s global economy. Malcolm Fairbrother explores how the 1980s and 1990s saw numerous nations open their markets to globalization, driven by the agendas of businesspeople and other elites rather than public opinion. Through over one hundred interviews with key decision-makers and analyses of archival materials from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Fairbrother uncovers the story behind the negotiation and ratification of two pivotal agreements: the 1989 Canada-U.S. agreement and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Contrary to popular belief, these agreements were not grounded in mainstream economic theories but in informal, self-serving business ideas. As the stakes in globalization continue to be high, Fairbrother’s comparative-historical approach offers insights into how this complex process unfolded and suggests a clearer path for its future development.