The political economy of state accession to international legal regimes: A re‐assessment of the China‐World Trade Organization nexus

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the complex processes involving state sacrifice of essential values, including a measure of sovereignty, in return for economic benefits which are substantial but not to a point of overshadowing all else.

Design/methodology/approach

The research agenda is addressed by reviewing systematically the extensive theoretical and empirical academic literature on China's entry into the World Trade Organization and drawing appropriate conclusions about how the issue at hand should ideally be approached at this juncture.

Findings

Useful observations emerge regarding the classification of relevant factors, conceptual integration, analytical responses to problems arising in the context of accelerating economic integration across the globe and realistic model building.

Practical implications

Insights generated may enhance understanding of the interplay between the forces of globalization and nationalism and lead to a more enlightened management of the ensuing tension.

Originality/value

Critical assessment undertaken may pave the way for a less segmented and more grounded academic work on the subject.

Citation

Mushkat, M. and Mushkat, R. (2011), "The political economy of state accession to international legal regimes: A re‐assessment of the China‐World Trade Organization nexus", Journal of International Trade Law and Policy, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 5-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/14770021111116115