A Comparative Perspective on National Policies Addressing Genetically Modified Organisms. How Does the Us - European Union Debate on this Topic Affect Other Countries?

Abstract

The paper explores the topic of genetically modified organisms (hereafter GMOs) and focuses on national and international regulatory approaches to this field. The analysis herein addresses a multitude of interconnected issues on GMOs as the authors’ intention is to explain how a policy problem that is environmental in nature can generate debates and consequences that go beyond the realm and scope of environmental policy. Each of the sections of the paper could be expanded into an autonomous paper. The discussion herein is framed using a comparative case study analysis. The US domestic policy on GMOs1 is contrasted against the EU policy. These two domestic policies are relevant as they represent the two main contemporary approaches to how GMOs are to be regulated. Furthermore, the clash between the two powers with regard to GMOs is described and explained. Its relevance stems from the profound consequences it generates within the international arena.

[1 US decision makers have long supported a laissez fair approach with regard to GMOs, with regulatory governmental agencies playing a minimal role. The laissez fair attitude can be considered a public policy in light of the definition of this concept: “a public policy is what governments decide to do or not to do”.]