This volume explores the theoretical value of applying rational choice theory to questions of regional integration. As with other questions of conflict and cooperation in the field of international politics, studies of European integration are divided largely between the realist and liberalist perspectives. Yet neither of these schools of thought aptly explains the dynamics characterizing this process, that is, the major advances in regional integration and the long periods of paralysis. The contributions in this volume work their way from the most general questions and macro-processes down to particular policy problems of the European Union and the micro-foundations of interstate cooperation. The work will be of interest to scholars and policymakers in international relations, international economics, and European studies.

Agricultural (or "green") biotechnology is a source of growing tensions in the global trading system, particularly between the United States and the European Union. Genetically modified food faces an uncertain future. The technology behind it might revolutionize food production around the world. Or it might follow the example of nuclear energy, which declined from a symbol of socioeconomic progress to become one of the most unpopular and uneconomical innovations in history.

This book provides novel and thought-provoking insights into the fundamental policy issues involved in agricultural biotechnology. Thomas Bernauer explains global regulatory polarization and trade conflict in this area. He then evaluates cooperative and unilateral policy tools for coping with trade tensions. Arguing that the tools used thus far have been and will continue to be ineffective, he concludes that the risk of a full-blown trade conflict is high and may lead to reduced investment and the decline of the technology. Bernauer concludes with suggestions for policy reforms to halt this trajectory--recommendations that strike a sensible balance between public-safety concerns and private economic freedom--so that food biotechnology is given a fair chance to prove its environmental, health, humanitarian, and economic benefits.

This book will equip companies, farmers, regulators, NGOs, academics, students, and the interested public--including both advocates and critics of green biotechnology--with a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and societal factors shaping the future of one of the most revolutionary technologies of our times.

Agricultural (or "green") biotechnology is a source of growing tensions in the global trading system, particularly between the United States and the European Union. Genetically modified food faces an uncertain future. The technology behind it might revolutionize food production around the world. Or it might follow the example of nuclear energy, which declined from a symbol of socioeconomic progress to become one of the most unpopular and uneconomical innovations in history. This book provides novel and thought-provoking insights into the fundamental policy issues involved in agricultural biotechnology. Thomas Bernauer explains global regulatory polarization and trade conflict in this area. He then evaluates cooperative and unilateral policy tools for coping with trade tensions. Arguing that the tools used thus far have been and will continue to be ineffective, he concludes that the risk of a full-blown trade conflict is high and may lead to reduced investment and the decline of the technology. Bernauer concludes with suggestions for policy reforms to halt this trajectory--recommendations that strike a sensible balance between public-safety concerns and private economic freedom--so that food biotechnology is given a fair chance to prove its environmental, health, humanitarian, and economic benefits. This book will equip companies, farmers, regulators, NGOs, academics, students, and the interested public--including both advocates and critics of green biotechnology--with a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and societal factors shaping the future of one of the most revolutionary technologies of our times.

In einer umfassenden Analyse des Verhaltnisses zwischen Staaten und Markten im Zeichen der Globalisierung tritt der Autor dieses Buches der popularen These einer zunehmenden Aushohlung staatlicher Politik durch die Dynamik der Weltmarkte entgegen. Er postuliert, dass die wirtschaftliche Globalisierung zum Wachstum der Staatstatigkeit beigetragen habe, und dass Staaten selbst in Bereichen, die von hoher Kapitalmobilitat gepragt sind, ihre Regulierungskapazitaten weitgehend bewahrt hatten.
Diese Gegenthese wird gestutzt durch quantitative Analysen zur Staatstatigkeit, durch qualitative Fallstudien zur Regulierung internationaler Banken und transnationaler Konzerne sowie zur Steuerharmonisierung in der EU und durch eine Untersuchung zum Verhaltnis zwischen weltwirtschaftlicher Integration und politischer Fragmentierung."

Die Verregelung gesellschaftlicher Beziehungen auf innerstaatlicher und internationaler Ebene hat in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten stark zugenommen. Internationale Regimes wie auch innerstaatliche Normen und Regeln entstehen vielfach in unkoordinierter Weise, was bisweilen zu Inkompatibilitaten und Konflikten zwischen den beteiligten Akteuren fuhrt. Bei steigender Regulierungsdichte stellt sich die bislang in der Disziplin der Internationalen Beziehungen kaum untersuchte Frage, wie regulatorische Eingriffe in verschiedenen Politikbereichen und auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen miteinander koordiniert und harmonisiert werden koennen. Die Autoren dieses Buches entwickeln einen theoretischen und methodischen Rahmen zur Analyse der Frage nach der Kompatibilitat internationaler Regimes und ihren Folgen und evaluieren diesen anhand von Fallstudien zur Beziehung zwischen Handelsliberalisierung und Umweltschutz.