Dynamics Between Multilateralism and Regionalism in Relation to Trade Liberalization and Culture

This paper revisits the conflict of trade liberalization and culture, both of which are basic values or interests, from the viewpoint of the relationship between multilateralism and regionalism. By doing so, this paper clarifies the relationship between multilateralism and regionalism, two forces that govern international economic relationships. For this purpose, this paper analyzes the relationship between trade liberalization and culture as divided into three phases. First, this paper looks at this relationship within the framework of multilateralism as embodied by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), mainly with respect to the Uruguay Round of negotiations. Second, it examines the relationship of tension between two organizations embodying multilateralism, namely, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Third, this paper looks at the transition from multilateralism to regionalism, which is epitomized by the implementation of the protocol on cultural cooperation by the EU. As a result of the analysis of these three phases, it becomes clear that between trade liberalization and culture, there is not only a relationship of conflict as exemplified by a shift of regionalism toward multilateralism, the fragmentation of multilateralism, and a shift of multilateralism toward regionalism, but also a dynamic and complementary relationship.