He also looks in detail at the importance of ASEM, and at the relationship between the EU and the various regional bodies, especially ASEAN. The book goes beyond a practical analysis of the developing economic and political relationship between the two continents to explore cultural questions, and possible tensions between Asian and European values.

The opinion poll has become commonplace in politics and typically reveals public desires for greater government social welfare assistance, such as more aid for education or health care. These statistics seem to proclaim the welfare state’s enduring popularity. Though sincere, these desires largely reflect how questions are asked. Unfortunately, polls usually lack basic economic restraints. There are no costs, risks or disasters in the world of polling. Market-based solutions are routinely excluded.

The contributors identify the optimum approach for Latin America to take in protecting its interests and enhancing its advantages in global trade, and assess the various tools that negotiators might use during the forthcoming round of multilateral negotiations. They make concrete recommendations concerning trade strategy, policy, implementation and management together with suggestions as to how Latin America and other developing countries can increase their bargaining power in order to deal with new circumstances as they arise.