¶ … Trade Agreements on State Sovereignty State sovereignty is an issue that has attracted numerous concerns in the recent past largely because of globalization, which has become a definitive component of the contemporary society. These concerns have also been fueled by aggressive trade policies and practices that have been adopted by various governments and business organizations. Generally, state sovereignty is under severe threat because of diminishing barriers between countries and increased integration of domestic and international spheres of government. Aggressive trade policies and practices that threaten state sovereignty include trade agreements, which are entered into between countries. As trade agreements between countries are increasingly established, they fuel a conflict between free trade and state sovereignty.

Trade Agreements and State Sovereignty

Global trade and investment are the two pillars of the contemporary economic world given the increased interdependence of world economy in the recent past. This interdependence is one of the most significant economic developments in recent years since it has eliminated obstacles in free movement of goods and services between countries. The significance of this development is evidenced in fact that global direct investment in foreign countries has grown to immense proportion and become one of the major forces in global economy. Moreover, the developments have been characterized by bilateral and multinational trade agreements that...

According to Stiglitz (2006), globalization incorporates several concepts including the global flow of ideas and knowledge, international civil society, sharing of cultures, and international environmental movement (p.4). From an economic point-of-view, globalization involves economic integration of various nations across the globe through increased capital, flow of goods and services, and labor. Globalization has played a crucial role in the development of world economy because of its promise and potential to raise the living standards worldwide, especially in poor or developing countries. This is primarily because the concept enables access to international markets, open borders, and enable foreign investment in new products at affordable prices.
As trade agreements between countries continue to be established, state sovereignty has come under increased concerns and threats. Despite the economic benefit of trade agreements, these agreements have generated significant negative impacts on state sovereignty, particularly for developing countries. One of the ways through which trade agreements have affected state sovereignty is through creating a biased system that seemingly undermines the interests of developing countries. Developing countries have complained that trade agreements are creating…