Document Type

Article

Article Version

Publisher's PDF

Publication Date

2009

Abstract

This article examines the biotechnology industry in the area of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods through the lens of globalization and national sovereignty. Does the World Trade Organization (WTO) have the authority to compel the European Union (EU) to lift GMO bans, or should another supranational organization be formed to regulate the world’s food supply as a scientific and policy-making entity? What implications does the WTO’s decision on the food trade dispute have on state sovereignty, nation-state control and regulation of its food supply, and future multilateral environmental and trade agreements? This article discusses GMO’s historic, scientific, and environmental impacts, how globalization and biotechnology have changed the world food supply, and how these developments affect free trade. In addition, this article explores the regulatory reach of organizations such as the WTO, World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on global food security. Finally, this article analyzes the future of the biotechnology industry and GMOs, considering the impact of the WTO’s decisions on developing nations, food labeling, nation- state control and, ultimately, its own credibility.

Comments

Copyright 2009 Southeastern Academy of Legal Studies in Business (SEALSB)

Archived here with permission from the copyright holder. Article originally published and available at http://www.sealsb.org/journal.html.

Publication Title

Journal of Legal Studies in Business

Published Citation

Debra M. Strauss and Melanie C. Strauss, "Globalization and National Sovereignty: Controlling the International Food Supply in the Age of Biotechnology". Journal of Legal Studies in Business 15 (2009): 75-94.

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