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Influencing trade policy in a multi-level system—understanding corporate political activity in the context of global value chains and regime complexity

Authors :
Louise Curran
Jappe Eckhardt
Source :
Business and Politics. 20:132-164
Publication Year :
2017
Publisher :
Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2017.

Abstract

The increasing impact of the international trade governance regime on the domestic regulatory sphere and the growing inter-linkages between international companies through their involvement in global value chains, have complicated corporate political activity (CPA) in the trade arena and changed the way companies interact with governments in this context. This paper draws on several recent examples of novel forms of CPA in trade conflicts at both multilateral and regional (E.U.) level, to provide an updated conceptual framework of trade policy CPA, which takes account of the increasing complexity and interconnectedness in the world economy. We highlight, in particular, the fact that this changing context means that “domestic” interests are often heterogeneous. The international linkages of a firm may dictate trade policy preferences more than its nationality. In addition, non-government actors increasingly react to globalization by mobilizing transnationally, with positive and negative impacts for CPA. CPA strategy has adapted to that reality, in both home and host country contexts, leading to novel cross border alliances and even political activity in countries where, although their local presence is relatively low, companies find common interests.

Details

ISSN :
14693569
Volume :
20
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Business and Politics
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....cdaaca38c92e05f47d5c7b83ddaa9e99
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/bap.2017.26