Palm | Kelapa Sawit

ABSTRACT: In an era of globalization, how effectively can states regulate movement across their borders? Do the contemporary dynamics of states, borders, and markets suggest the need for non-traditional methods of regulation and international cooperation in areas such as border inspections or border management? If so, how can capacity in this regard be built?

In response to the themes identified in the call for papers—specifically trans-border economic regions, border security, regional cooperation, and transnational governance—we propose a paper that will attempt to answer these questions by using an interdisciplinary research approach. To focus the discussion, we will illustrate our basic thesis by focusing on selected key case studies in the arena of food safety and security. Multilateral standard-setting bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) have endorsed the concept of “regionalization” as a means by which states can preserve trade relations when sanitary (human or animal health) or phytosanitary (plant health) hazards threaten a country’s trading status. The preservation-of-trade function of regionalization has received due attention by scholars of international relations; however, the cases we will discuss—including Mexico and China—illustrate how regionalization may also be helpful to countries that (a) lack a robust federal food safety and security infrastructure but (b) have regions that are home to agricultural and food export businesses. An examination of some of the top biosecurity concerns and regulatory responses that regions in these two countries face will be analyzed to understand the role regionalization may play in enhancing state regulatory capacities. Furthermore, the paper will probe the prospects of international regulatory frameworks that may cover the movement of people and goods through trans-border regions in North America and elsewhere. In doing so, it explores new approaches to sovereignty, spatial organization, and border management.