Competition policy in the global trading system: Perspectives from the EU, Japan and the USA

Book abstract:

This book seeks to explore ways in which antitrust rules can be implemented within the global trading system, in order to facilitate greater free trade. Although it acknowledges the fact that the global trade regime has made advances in reducing economic restrictions, it further aims to explain the various legal methods which could be used to confront the many cartels and monopolies still in existence. Proposals discussed include 'soft convergence' or harmonisation of competition antitrust law, and a more comprehensive international code.

In three major parts, the book is then broken down into twenty chapters, each one the work of a different contributor. Part one, on the foundations of international antitrust organisations and bilateral co-operation, contains, for example, comparative research on the historical relationships between the US, Japan and the EU, global trade, the US competition policy and ways of improving bilateral antitrust co-operation. Part two, on substantive issues in comparative antitrust law and enforcement, deals with competition rules and enforcement in the US, EU, and Japan, market access issues in Japan's antimonopoly law, antitrust deterrence in the US and Japan, and the question of trilateralism in terms of Japan, the US and the EU. Part three, on organising the antitrust movement in a global economy, asks what is the best way to progress, and looks, among other things, at problems of globalisation and convergence, the possibilities of transnational or European antitrust proposals, and the need for new multilateral initiatives.

The book is intended for officials and scholars in the field.

• Primary Source