Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Notes on contributors
- Foreword
- Preface: the ICC vision
- Historical overview and dynamics
- Editorial note
- A Global systemic transformations
- Editorial introduction
- A1 Trade in the new Asian hemisphere
- A2 US allegiance to the multilateral trading system: from ambivalence to shared leadership
- A3 Trade for development: the case of China
- A4 Trade in the USA–China relationship
- A5 Unravelling India and strengthening external engagement for sustainable growth
- A6 Japan's contribution to an open trading system
- A7 Rebalancing Korean trade policy: from bilateral to multilateral free trade
- A8 Vietnam: a rising Asian tiger?
- A9 The European compact on trade still stands
- A10 Synergies with the Russian Federation
- A11 Reasons for an optimistic future view of trade and Latin America
- A12 Is the Brazilian giant finally awakening?
- A13 The Arab region and the GCC in tomorrow's trade
- A14 Growing African trade amid global economic turmoil
- B Governance of global trade
- C Poverty and global inequities
- D The long view on interlocking crises
- E Global business responsibilities
- Conclusion: the imperative of inclusive global growth
- Index
A1 - Trade in the new Asian hemisphere
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 July 2011
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Notes on contributors
- Foreword
- Preface: the ICC vision
- Historical overview and dynamics
- Editorial note
- A Global systemic transformations
- Editorial introduction
- A1 Trade in the new Asian hemisphere
- A2 US allegiance to the multilateral trading system: from ambivalence to shared leadership
- A3 Trade for development: the case of China
- A4 Trade in the USA–China relationship
- A5 Unravelling India and strengthening external engagement for sustainable growth
- A6 Japan's contribution to an open trading system
- A7 Rebalancing Korean trade policy: from bilateral to multilateral free trade
- A8 Vietnam: a rising Asian tiger?
- A9 The European compact on trade still stands
- A10 Synergies with the Russian Federation
- A11 Reasons for an optimistic future view of trade and Latin America
- A12 Is the Brazilian giant finally awakening?
- A13 The Arab region and the GCC in tomorrow's trade
- A14 Growing African trade amid global economic turmoil
- B Governance of global trade
- C Poverty and global inequities
- D The long view on interlocking crises
- E Global business responsibilities
- Conclusion: the imperative of inclusive global growth
- Index
Summary
For over two thousand years, the rise of new great powers has been accompanied by rising tension and conflict. Today, we are witnessing the greatest shifts of power with the rise of China, India and other Asian powers. Yet, instead of seeing rising geopolitical conflict and tension, we are seeing a remarkable degree of geopolitical calm in Asia.
Why are we witnessing this strange phenomenon? We can find many complex explanations. But one key explanation will be trade. The creation of the 1945 open liberal international trading order, first under the auspices of the GATT and later under the WTO, is one key reason for the geopolitical calm.
To understand the impact of this 1945 liberal trading order, look at the history of Germany and Japan in the twentieth century when they emerged not once, but twice, as great powers. The first time they emerged before World War II. Then the only means to acquire great power status were by conquering and colonizing as they were the only secure ways of obtaining natural resources and commodities. This explains why Japan overran most of Southeast Asia, one of the most resource-rich regions in the world. However, when Germany and Japan re-emerged as great powers after World War II, they did so peacefully. Why? Simple. They could go around the world and buy any commodities they needed. In return, they could export their products to any corner of the world.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Peace and Prosperity through World TradeAchieving the 2019 Vision, pp. 5 - 8Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2010