Manuel Pérez-Rocha is an Associate Fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington and an Associate of the Transnational Institute (TNI) in Amsterdam. He is a Mexican national who has led efforts to promote just and sustainable alternative approaches to trade and investment agreements for two decades. Prior to working for IPS’ Global Economy Program, he worked with the Mexican Action Network on Free Trade (RMALC) and continues to be a member of that coalition’s executive committee. He also worked for the Make Trade Fair campaign of Oxfam International.

Manuel studied International Relations at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), has a diploma on European Studies from the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM) and holds a M.A. on Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, Netherlands. Some of his last publications include op-eds in The Nation and The New York Times.

Latest

How Will the GOP-Controlled Senate Affect Trade Deals?

The new Republican majority could complicate Obama’s efforts to move forward on the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

Congressional Briefing: Economic Underpinnings of Migration in the Americas

Manuel Pérez-Rocha speaks on the negative impacts of free trade agreements.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Critics of EU-US Trade Negotiations Voice Concerns During “Stakeholder” Event in Chevy Chase

Critics of EU-US Trade Negotiations Voice Concerns During “Stakeholder” Event in Chevy Chase

Challenging the Corporate Trade and Investment Agenda in Europe

At a time of multiple environmental and social crises and an unprecedented expansion in the power of transnational corporations (TNCs), it has never been more urgent to exert social controls over such powerful institutions.

A Call for the Building of an Alternative Legal Framework to the International Investment Treaties: favoring the Public Interest while doing away with Transnational Corporate Impunity

An analysis of the international investment agreements’ regime, a series of proposed principles for the construction of alternative frameworks for international investment and a call for the discussion and construction of a basic common agenda.

International Coalition Supports El Salvador in Battle Against Canadian Mining Company

Some 300 groups urge World Bank to reject lawsuit that would devastate nation’s water

Debunking Eight Falsehoods by Pacific Rim Mining / OceanaGold in El Salvador

A new study debunks eight falsehoods the mining corporation OceanaGold has used to try to justify mining in El Salvador and undermine public debate and policymaking.

New Study Debunks Mining Company “Falsehoods” Regarding El Salvador

A new study debunks eight falsehoods the mining corporation OceanaGold has used to try to justify mining in El Salvador and undermine public debate and policymaking.

Declaration of the G20 Counter-Summit

Five years after the financial meltdown, the G20 continues promoting failed neoliberal policies that are condemning the world to a vicious cycle of crisis and environmental collapse.

NAFTA Pushes Many Mexicans to Migrate

Mexicans have little to celebrate as NAFTA turns 20 years old in 2014 – the destruction caused by the agreement continues to push many Mexicans to migrate to try to make a living.

Mining for Profits in International Tribunals – Updated

How transnational corporations use trade and investment treaties as powerful tools in disputes over oil, mining, and gas. / Como las empresas mineras transnacionales utilizan las reglas de los acuerdos de inversión y de comercio como poderosos instrumentos a su favor en las disputas por el petróleo, la minería y el gas.

NAFTA at 20: The New Spin

Nearly 20 years since NAFTA went into effect, its empty promises have been laid bare for the people of Mexico.

Facing the Threat of the Trans-Pacific Treaty

Damage from 20 years of NAFTA shows us why latest trade deal must be stopped. Free trade creates rich people, poor communities.

Canada Should Tell Mining Firm to Stop Bullying El Salvador

Re-posted with permission from Embassy Magazine: Vancouver-based mining company Pacific Rim is butting heads with the government of El Salvador.

An Appeal to Canada to Stand with El Salvador, the First Nation to Halt Gold Mining

Representatives from IPS and other environmental and public policy organizations hold meeting at Canadian Embassy to say, “Tell Pacific Rim to stop bullying El Salvador.”

Don’t Expand NAFTA

The United States is leading the way to another corporate-friendly free-trade agreement, and it’s bringing its NAFTA partners along for the ride.

Mexico’s Track Record: A Cautionary Tale for the G-20

As Mexico becomes the G-20 chair for 2012, its embrace of a neoliberal agenda of deregulation and privatization show a poor track record on all the group’s goals.

Obama and North American Counterparts Keep it Low Profile at Today’s Three Amigos Summit

Experts available to discuss the failed promises of Obama’s policies towards Canada and Mexico.

More than 100 Economists Call for Trans-Pacific Trade Deal to Allow Capital Controls to Prevent Crises

In advance of Trans-Pacific trade talks, over 100 economists are sending a letter today urging negotiators to promote global financial stability by allowing the use of capital controls.

VIDEO: World Bank Protest, Pacific Rim v. El Salvador

On December 15, 2011, a number of civil society groups came together to oppose the World Bank tribunal that is deciding the case Pacific Rim v. El Salvador, a case that may set a precedent for future tribunals and chart a devastating course for El Salvador.