Sweet talk : paternalism and collective action in North-South trade relations /
J.P. Singh.
- xix, 239 pages ; 24 cm.
- Emerging frontiers in the global economy .
- Emerging frontiers in the global economy. .
Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-230) and index.
Introduction : the subtext of North-South relations -- Who is served by paternalism? -- GATT and the developing world before the Uruguay Round -- Unequal partners in merchandise trade -- An uneven playing field in agricultural negotiations -- Big disparities in services and intellectual property -- Conclusion : the end of sweet talk.
Developed nations strive to create the impression that their hearts and pockets bleed for the developing world. Yet, the global North continues to offer unfavorable trade terms to the global South. Truly fair trade would make reciprocal concessions to developing countries while allowing them to better their own positions. However, five hundred years of colonial racism and post-colonial paternalism have undermined trade negotiations. While urging developing countries to participate in trade, the North offers empty deals to "partners" that it regards as unequal. Using a mixed-methods approach, J. P. Singh exposes the actual position beneath the North's image of benevolence and empathy: either join in the type of trade that developed countries offer, or be cast aside as obstreperous and unwilling. Singh reveals how the global North ultimately bars developing nations from flourishing. His findings chart a path forward, showing that developing nations can garner favorable concessions by drawing on unique strengths and through collective advocacy. Sweet Talk offers a provocative rethinking of how far our international relations have come and how far we still have to go. -- Provided by publisher.
9780804794121 080479412X 9781503601048 1503601048
40026764187
2016036586
International economic relations. Paternalism. International economic relations. Paternalism.
Developing countries--Foreign economic relations--Developed countries. Developed countries--Foreign economic relations--Developing countries. Developed countries. Developing countries. Paesi in via di sviluppo--Relazioni economiche con i paesi industrializzati--Fattori culturali.