The Role of Free Trade Agreements in Promoting Social Peace as a Development Goal

Free trade agreements (FTAs) represent the legal framework for most trade and investment activities worldwide. One of the most essential features of these agreements is their comprehensive regulation of activities that extend beyond commercial activity to encompass numerous legislative, social, political, and security issues. Therefore, they are considered comprehensive development agreements, as they have a developmental impact on all aspects mentioned by the parties to the agreement. Accordingly, FTAs can be regarded as one of the most critical strategic means for promoting social peace, because they contain direct provisions that require parties to develop their legislation and institutional mechanisms to ensure the application of the law and the protection of human rights, improve the quality of administration and services, and ensure the equitable distribution of wealth. Furthermore, FTAs positively impact the social and economic lives of the people of member states by stimulating development and helping to address the causes of conflict or instability.