New Politics of Trade: Lessons from TTIP

A penetrating analysis of the complexities of the TTIP negotiations, which explores why they proved so difficult to conclude, what motivated the different parties concerned and what implications there have been for future trade deals, especially for the UK in its post-Brexit negotiations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Agenda Publishing

The negotiation of international trade agreements has assumed paramount importance in the current global landscape. Brexit, a shift in administration in the United States, a fragile economic recovery in the Eurozone, and China's gradual slowdown in growth have underscored the criticality of the terms of trade between the world's largest economic blocs. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) stands as Europe's most contentious trade agreement to date. Its primary objective was to alleviate regulatory barriers between the United States and the European Union (EU), assuming a relatively straightforward process due to robust business support on both sides of the Atlantic. However, the negotiations have exceeded initial expectations and are now poised to collapse altogether. Nevertheless, the intricacies of the TTIP negotiations, the potential terms of the agreement, and the areas of contention offer valuable insights for policymakers and scholars engaged in the future formulation of trade deals and arrangements.

In his insightful analysis, Alasdair Young delves into the complexities that have hindered the conclusion of the TTIP negotiations. He explores the underlying reasons for the challenges faced by the different parties involved and the implications these challenges have for politics and policy. Young sheds light on the limitations of transatlantic cooperation and the processes of globalization, while also teasing out the consequences for the United Kingdom in its post-Brexit trade negotiations and for other nations confronting a more protectionist stance from the United States.

The TTIP negotiations serve as a cautionary tale for policymakers and scholars alike. They underscore the importance of meticulous negotiation, effective stakeholder engagement, and a comprehensive understanding of the economic, political, and social dynamics at play. As the world continues to navigate a rapidly evolving global economy, the ability to strike mutually beneficial trade agreements will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of nations and regions. By learning from the TTIP negotiations, policymakers can develop strategies and approaches that will increase the likelihood of successful trade negotiations and promote economic growth and prosperity.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911116745