The problem of Japanese accession to the GATT : a case study in regime theory

Abstract

The problem of Japan's accession to the GATT raised a set of distinct yet related issues which were directly related to the principles, rules and purposes of the GATT regime. By focussing on how these issues were settled inside or outside the GATT , the thesis shows how principles, norms and purposes of the GATT regime affected the settlement of issues . Conversely, the issue of Japan's accession can also be seen as a problem of regime change and formation . While strategic consideration was the vital factor which facilitated Japan's acquisition of GATT membership, the problem of excessive Japanese competition in labour intensive manufactured products (especially textiles led to the wide - spread nonapplication of GATT rules to Japan and then to changes in GATT rules for the textile trade. The problem arising from Japan's labour intensive manufactured products was related to the dynamics of Japanese industrialisation which presented particular problems to the old industrialised countries .