This book addresses the issues facing small countries in an integrated, globalized world. The contributors acknowledge that the new global system does not represent twilight for small countries, and demonstrate that small countries may even gain sovereignty in areas previously closed to them.

This volume explores a wide range of case studies, analyses, histories, and polemics on the fate of post-socialist Europe- and why that matters to readers today. Nearly 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the post-socialist economies of the former East remain adrift, buffeted by the international financial crisis, the Ukraine crisis, and the ongoing instability in the European Union. This new book brings together a diverse range of scholars in offering a comprehensive look at the struggles faced by policymakers, economists and business people across the former East, and the ways that they responded to crisis. This volume also will be of great value to policymakers, academics, historians, and economists seeking to understand possible influence of China's One Belt One Road policy on Eastern Europe and Russia.

Addressing an under-studied aspect of U.S. foreign policy towards sub-Saharan Africa, Hendrickson provides a critical historical analysis of institutions designed to promote private investment in the region. She draws attention to the interaction between strategic factors, domestic interests, and the ideas used to achieve consensus on policy.

This book highlights the critical relationship between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) associated with its trade interdependency. As the largest trade partner in the region, China has not only presented itself with opportunities for ASEAN to tap its market, but also created great challenges for the region. The fundamental question that this book addresses, therefore, is whether China's engagement with ASEAN comes at a cost for the latter following from the systemic risks tied to the China-centric supply chains in the region. The trade interactions between China and ASEAN, though extensively explored, are less understood in the context of its influence over the region amidst the recent changing dynamics that follow from China's global engagement and backlash from major powers. The book therefore resolutely rises against stereotypes and cliches, making readers reconsider many oversimplified assumptions of the benefits of trade engagement where economies are interconnected through complex production chains.

The world economy is at a cross road: it can either widen and deepen international integration, within and between different areas, or be tempted by neo-protectionism. Which road should the international economy take? Which way will it take? The need to reform the present international monetary system has been almost continuously discussed since the collapse of the Bretton Woods System in August 1971, and even earlier, and it has found renewed interest since the Mexican financial crisis in early 1995. Despite the successful completion of the Uruguay Round in December 1993, many international trade problems remain: many sectors were not included in the agreement, antidumping action and safeguards are still possible, and many trade problems of developing and former communist countries have not been fully addressed. This book analyses this situation by first focusing on the problem of international financial stability and the relationship between national economic policies. It then focuses on the European monetary union within the context of the international monetary system. Finally, the development of international trade is examined within an endogenous growth framework.

This timely book points the way towards a new positive regulatory framework for international investment following the failure of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). It examines the flaws in free-market strategies underpinning the recent phase of globalization, in particular drawing out the lessons from the MAI, which was suspended in October 1998. The authors explore an alternative based on a positive regulatory framework for international business aimed at maximizing the positive contribution to development of foreign investment and minimizing its negative social and environmental impacts. The contributors include academics, researchers for non-governmental organizations, and business and trade-union representatives, writing from a combination of economic, legal and political perspectives. The book combines academic analysis with grass-roots and practical experience, and suggests concrete policy proposals.

This is the third volume in a series designed to be of interest to all those involved in the business, economic or financial affairs of the Pacific Basin. This volume includes discussion of the changing trade structure in Pacific Basin countries and competition in trade between China and Asean.

The academic study of diamonds is as multi-faceted as the precious stones themselves. Mineralogists and geographers have written about them, as have historians and economists and students of art and fashion. They each shine their light on a different aspect of this source of luminous radiance. But who would venture to describe the entire complicated worldwide system starting in the diamond mines and ending with the consumers of Western metropolises?

In The Mazzel Ritual: Culture, Customs and Crime in the Diamond Trade, Russian-Israeli cultural anthropologist and criminologist Dina Siegel follows the route of a diamond from the mines of Africa to the shops of Europe and the United States, as it passes through countless hands and places and is smuggled, stolen, cut, polished, sold, exchanged and, finally, worn as jewelry. In the course of this long and exciting journey, a wide range of people face all sorts of risks and criminality, as well as various moral and ethical judgments. Siegel describes the range of ethnic groups that are active in the diamond trade and the culture and customs that are specific to this business. She analyses the dangers and threats to the industry and aims to uncover the strategies and tactics to deal with them. Finally, this story of risk, trust and crime examines the vulnerability of diamond production and distribution to illicit and criminal activities.

This book is about the diamond business itself as well as about those involved in it. It tells the story of people who simply cannot stay away from this expensive and alluring commodity.

The most ambitious round of multilateral trade negotiations since the formation of the GATT was formally launched in Punta del Este, Uruguay in 1986. With more than 100 nations participating in the "Uruguay Round" negotiations, complex economic problems and difficult political realities made reaching international accord on major trading issues a long and arduous process. The three-volume set presents a history of these negotiations, portraying how participating nations reached their current positions on the proposed major changes in trade in agriculture and textiles, adoption of rules for trade in services, review of existing trade regulations, increased protection of intellectual property rights and the liberalization of the market for many important products. The set contains information which should be useful for all involved in international trade. Legal practitioners, business executives, academics and government officials seeking to understand the position of the important players and grasp the implications of the final agreement should find this factually-objective and politically-neutral account of the negotiations a useful resource. This is volume 3 of the set. It contains reprints of vital documents in the negotiation. The complete set is also available, as are individual chapters, allowing for the purchase of only that information in which a customer has a specific interest.

Efficient measurement plays a vital role in any sort of production but there is a dearth of both applications and in-depth research relating to the container port industry. This book analyzes the relationship between ownership, competition and port efficiency by applying traditional theories in industrial organization and examining them empirically. It is the first to conduct comprehensive comparisons of alternative approaches to efficiency measurement for the industry. This original work makes an important contribution to the establishment of central government policy on port investment, policy and governance.

Is there a link between the collapse of the Soviet Union, the radical reforms in China and Vietnam, and the current crisis in East Asia? The author of this book argues that the common factor in each is the crisis of state controlled economies, besieged by the developing forces of globalization. His work examines the collapse of the Soviet Union not as the 'end of history', or the beginning of a 'new world order', but as an illustration of processes that are taking place the world over. The author concludes that it was globalization that brought down the communist system. Globalization continues to threaten state controlled economies from the remaining socialist state to the NICs of East Asia.

This volume brings together important contributions by noted scholars and high-level policymakers with first-hand experience in U.S.-Arab relations. Their papers, which focus specifically on the economic aspects of U.S.-Arab interactions, are the result of a conference on the subject sponsored by Georgetown University's Center for International Business and Trade with the support of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, the American/Saudi Roundtable, and the U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. Writing for scholars in international economics, energy economics, and Middle East studies, the contributors offer a fresh and impartial reappraisal of the nature of U.S.-Arab economics relations, examine the dominant trends in the relationship, and make policy recommendations for solving some of the problems brought about by recent strains in the relationship.

The papers are grouped into four parts, beginning with chapters which explore the evolution and macroeconomic framework of U.S.-Arab relations. Part II takes a closer look at the changing political and sociological climate of U.S.-Arab relations and includes papers on the decline of the boycott of Israel, the weakening U.S. stake in Arab markets, and U.S. relations with Egypt and Iraq. In the third section, the contributors consider specific issues involving trade in professional services, technology, and energy. The final papers both offer a synthesis of interrelated issues in U.S.-Arab economic relations and look beyond the present to what might lie ahead in the 1990s and beyond.

Although General Secretary GorbacheV's policy of openness has received much attention and analysis, this is among the first books to evaluate the practical meaning of perestroika for U.S. corporations. Written for executives and managers responsible for international business operations, U.S. Commercial Opportunities in the Soviet Union is a timely and highly readable examination of trade and direct investment prospects in the USSR under the present regime. The authors discuss the major critical variables--such as Soviet systemic barriers and the narrow character of planned Soviet import demand--that should influence any company's decision to do business in the Soviet Union. They explain the mechanics of dealing with the USSR, and offer the information necessary for the reader to decide the potential significance of outward-looking Soviet Union for his or her own firm.

Following an introductory overview, the book begins by addressing the micro- and macroeconomic aspects of exporting to Russia. Here the authors identify specific sectors in which American firms can greatly increase their sales to Russia, while warning that certain areas remain essentially closed to U.S. manufacturers. In subsequent chapters the authors explore opportunities for direct investment via joint enterprises with Soviet partners, demonstrating that this form of activity presents greater risks but also greater potential rewards to U.S. firms than trade. The final chapter explores the prospects for U.S. commercial interests in Russia. The authors examine the growth of Soviet external debt in terms of its possible effects on Russia as a competitor of and collaborator with American firms in third country economies. They conclude that should GorbacheV's vision of Russia as a global economic power become a reality, American firms may well face a new, potent source of low-cost competition overseas.

The global financial and economic crisis has brought about many effects that are still difficult to interpret univocally. This book studies the consequences of the crisis on Europe by examining the effects on the European institutional setup, governance and architecture and by studying in detail the different member countries.

This book comprehensively investigates the challenges to Myanmar's access to the global market. Myanmar is a late entrant in the global trade and investment scenario after years of isolation. However, it has large untapped potentials for trade and investment in minerals, agro and forest based industries, other labour intensive industries, services like tourism, IT, etc. Different chapters of the book explore the implication of democratic transition of Myanmar, the progress of Myanmar's industry and infrastructure, its international linkages and feasible options for integrating more in regional economic groups and also analyses how far Myanmar could exploit the global value chain. Although a number of reports have discussed sector specific prospects of Myanmar, this book is an authoritative work on these aspects for policy planners, academicians, researchers as well as potential investors.

This volume discusses the effects of globalization on changing power relationships between transnational corporations - TNCs - and transnational capital, the state, and subnational groups. TNCs have expanded their power with the deepening of market relations, but they are not causing the state to wither away. Indeed, neoliberal changes often occur with the permission or even encouragement of powerful states. Transnational capital has weakened labour groups in order to make production more competitive, but the disadvantaged groups may mobilize to counter the power of transnational capital. Finally, globalization is subjecting domestic policies to increased international scrutiny.

Paul J.J. Welfens and Holger C. Wolf While the economies of Asia and, more recently, South as well as North America have enjoyed sustained high growth, the growth performance of western Europe and in particular continental Europe has been rather modest. Coupled with sizable improvements in labor productivity and - at best - steady capital productivity, growth proved insufficient to sustain employment levels, much less to replicate the US job creation success. Relative inflation performance has been much better: in the run-up to European Monetary Union inflation rates have dramatically converged towards the lower end of the distribution while risk premia on formerly high inflation economies have fallen. Yet, looking forward, the undoubted success in achieving price stability is mitigated by the lackluster growth -and in particular employment -performance. Indeed, the relative little attention paid to initiatives directed at raising economic growth is startling, not only in the light of the US policy record but also in light of the remarkable rebound of those European economies which have aggressively tackled the structural problems, most prominently the UK and Ireland.

The common roots of success and failure in economic growth and development lie in the systemic governance and fragmentation of institutional complementarities, respectively, but not in the unilateral adaptation of market-led or state-led models. To substantiate this argument, Akan utilizes case countries from the United States, South Korea, and Turkey-an advanced developed, a recently developed, and a developing country. Akan provides a simple framework for understanding two points that go beyond ideological obsession. The first is how a model of G&D works and evolves; with its economic, financial, industrial, and political dynamics intertwining. The second is why a market-led or state-led model succeeds and fails in both developed and developing countries.

The overall economic performance of Caribbean countries has declined markedly in recent times. The weak export performance of these trade-oriented economies is highlighted as the principal factor responsible for the economic deterioration. The author attempts to identify the major determinants of their export performance. Two alternative approaches to this issue are adopted, the Feder model and an alternate, which suggests the important nexus between foreign exchange, needed imports and exports. The role of government institutions and their influence on exchange rates are also analyzed. Scholars in economic development, Latin America, as well as international financial institutions will find this comprehensive study on the English speaking Caribbean countries of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados a useful tool.

This book reviews the long history of U.S. shipping policy, and explains the present challenges (including the increasing use of open register arrangements). U.S. labor problems, tort and liability risks, environmental and safety regulations, and coastal and harbor security issues receive heavy emphasis. Options for reviving U.S. shipbuilding are analayzed, along with balance of payments implications, and sealift and national security requirements. The book offers a detailed program for American maritime renewal. It is intended for maritime, national security, international trade, and foreign policy audiences. Extensive data and tables allow for a comprehensive assessment of the U.S. merchant marine and the global shipping industry, with substantial historical background.

Nearly two thirds of world shipping is done under flags of convenience. The significant over-tonnaging, subsidies and/or restrictions, and shipping friendly policies present in many countries create strong competitive pressures. Unfortunately, the U.S. and British merchant marines are in serious decline. But the Japanese, Chinese, Greeks, and Scandinavians are thriving at sea. And many European Union, Asian, and former Eastern bloc nations are likely to remain determined competitors.

U.S. maritime policies need overhaul and a more realistic outlook. This book reviews the long history of U.S. shipping policy, and explains the present challenges (including the increasing use of open register arrangements). U.S. labor problems, tort and liability risks, environmental and safety regulations, and coastal and harbor security issues receive heavy emphasis. Options for reviving U.S. shipbuilding are analayzed, along with balance of payments implications, and sealift and national security requirements. The book offers a detailed program for American maritime renewal. It is intended for maritime, national security, international trade, and foreign policy audiences. Extensive data and tables allow for a comprehensive assessment of the U.S. merchant marine and the global shipping industry, with substantial historical background.

The Future BRICS provides in depth quantitative and qualitative questions and answers about the future of the BRICS Forum as a synergistic economic alliance and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the ongoing international debate about the economic future and sustainability of the emerging markets in general.

FTAs are proliferating in East Asia. This proliferation will become a foundation for the region's economic integration on the one hand, but will also lead to the "spaghetti (or noodle) ball syndrome," due to a mixture of different rules such as rules of origin. In addition, the need for many procedures and documents, as well as custom clearance at borders for road transportation, consumes great time and costs, leading to high transportation costs. There are many issues to address in order to attain further economic integration. This book explores the current state and direction of economic integration in East Asia and examines how economic integration can allow each economy to benefit equally.