Final answer:
International agreements can be bilateral or involve multiple countries and are formed for various reasons including trade, security, and environmental cooperation. The WTO works towards global free trade and resolves trade disputes, and there are currently about 100 regional agreements in place, creating a complex international trade network.
Step-by-step explanation:
Agreements that involve multiple nations often address complex issues like trade, security, or environmental concerns. These international agreements can range from bilateral accords, involving just two countries, to comprehensive pacts signed by the majority of the world's nations. The decision to enter into a multinational pact depends on various factors, including the benefits to the country, the implications for global cooperation, and more strategic considerations of international relations.
Trade deals such as the USMCA/NAFTA, the European Union (EU), and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are examples of agreements with specific groups of countries, aiming to enhance economic relations. However, they can result in disparities among countries not included in these agreements. On the other hand, the World Trade Organization (WTO) seeks to establish global free trade rules and resolve trade disputes, with the majority of nations being members.In recent years, an influx of regional trading agreements has emerged, totaling about 100. These vary in their scopes and objectives, with some simply promoting continued dialogue, and others setting concrete targets such as reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. This has led to a complex network often described metaphorically as a "spaghetti bowl" due to the interconnectedness of involved countries.