In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia
This paper discusses the shift in East Asia from a focus on multilateral trade liberalization through the WTO to a pragmatic approach since 1999 favouring bilateral and regional FTAs while continuing to support the WTO system. It is argued that such FTAs are a second-best option compared to WTO agre...
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| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
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2022
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| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10356/155481 |
| _version_ | 1811687146505895936 |
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| author | Desker, Barry |
| author2 | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies |
| author_facet | S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Desker, Barry |
| author_sort | Desker, Barry |
| collection | NTU |
| description | This paper discusses the shift in East Asia from a focus on multilateral trade liberalization through the WTO to a pragmatic approach since 1999 favouring bilateral and regional FTAs while continuing to support the WTO system. It is argued that such FTAs are a second-best option compared to WTO agreements. However, while economists may seek the ideal solution, governments will focus on the politically attainable, especially as new multilateral agreements require lengthy negotiations beyond the life span of governments. As the WTO negotiating process has become bogged down, even once sceptical governments in East Asia are turning to FTAs. It is contended that such FTAs could form a lattice network within and across regions. In this context, the paper discusses the underlying security rationale for the conclusion of FTAs, highlighting the nexus between security interests and international economic policy in East Asia. |
| first_indexed | 2024-10-01T05:11:40Z |
| format | Journal Article |
| id | ntu-10356/155481 |
| institution | Nanyang Technological University |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-10-01T05:11:40Z |
| publishDate | 2022 |
| record_format | dspace |
| spelling | ntu-10356/1554812022-03-02T05:35:19Z In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia Desker, Barry S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Social sciences::Economic theory::International trade Social sciences::Political science::International relations Free Trade Agreements WTO This paper discusses the shift in East Asia from a focus on multilateral trade liberalization through the WTO to a pragmatic approach since 1999 favouring bilateral and regional FTAs while continuing to support the WTO system. It is argued that such FTAs are a second-best option compared to WTO agreements. However, while economists may seek the ideal solution, governments will focus on the politically attainable, especially as new multilateral agreements require lengthy negotiations beyond the life span of governments. As the WTO negotiating process has become bogged down, even once sceptical governments in East Asia are turning to FTAs. It is contended that such FTAs could form a lattice network within and across regions. In this context, the paper discusses the underlying security rationale for the conclusion of FTAs, highlighting the nexus between security interests and international economic policy in East Asia. 2022-03-02T05:35:18Z 2022-03-02T05:35:18Z 2004 Journal Article Desker, B. (2004). In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia. Pacific Review, 17(1), 3-26. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0951274042000182393 0951–2748 https://hdl.handle.net/10356/155481 10.1080/0951274042000182393 2-s2.0-2342646917 1 17 3 26 en Pacific Review © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd. All rights reserved. |
| spellingShingle | Social sciences::Economic theory::International trade Social sciences::Political science::International relations Free Trade Agreements WTO Desker, Barry In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia |
| title | In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia |
| title_full | In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia |
| title_fullStr | In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia |
| title_full_unstemmed | In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia |
| title_short | In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia |
| title_sort | in defence of ftas from purity to pragmatism in east asia |
| topic | Social sciences::Economic theory::International trade Social sciences::Political science::International relations Free Trade Agreements WTO |
| url | https://hdl.handle.net/10356/155481 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT deskerbarry indefenceofftasfrompuritytopragmatismineastasia |