Linking Trade and Security

This book examines the complex relationships between trade policies and security factors, particularly in the context of Asia and its unresolved security issues. Linking Trade and Security offers insightful analysis.

In Linking Trade and Security, the intricate relationship between trade and security is explored in depth. This volume delves into how security factors influence trade policy measures and the implications of various trade arrangements on international security. The historical context of this connection stretches back to the mercantilist arguments of the 16th and 17th centuries, highlighting that the interplay between trade and security has long been recognized by analysts and practitioners alike. Despite the inclination of some economic liberal thinkers to separate politics from economics, it is evident that trade and security are inherently linked in the foreign policy strategies of nations.

As the landscape of trade policy evolves alongside changes in the international security environment, understanding this complex nexus becomes increasingly essential. The edited volume presents a comprehensive examination of how traditional economic factors, security considerations, and human security issues shape the development of trade agreements and unilateral policies. It underscores that trade policies can exert both direct and indirect effects on various aspects of security, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of these interactions.

Focusing on Asia as a primary context, Linking Trade and Security investigates a region where economic considerations are gaining prominence, yet numerous security challenges remain unresolved. The book also offers a comparative analysis of how the European Union and the United States utilize their trade policies to pursue non-economic objectives, thereby influencing their respective security environments. With case studies covering significant trade institutions and agreements, this volume provides valuable insights into the ongoing dialogue between trade and security.