ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the concept of regional public goods (RPGs) as it applies to North America. It focuses on the role of these goods, it contextualizes today's situation with a succinct account of North American integration. The chapter argues that rule of law has emerged as one of the most important RPGs in North America, directed largely at regional economic transactions. It examines the concept of rule of law as a weaker link good with partial overlap and limited spillover across local, national, and regional levels. The ability to resolve disputes pacifically at the regional level has not created spillover in terms of Mexico's ability to resolve disputes among its citizens with regularity and transparency. The chapter focuses on "three strategic areas": joint statistics and mapping of energy resources and infrastructure; unconventional oil and gas; and modernization of energy infrastructure, institutions, and innovation.
