Shallow and Deep Integration

Abstract

The concepts of shallow and deep economic integration are introduced and discussed as to their pertinence. The conflicting results of successive rounds of global trade negotiations for developing and least developed countries are examined in the context of deep integration attempts in North-South agreements. It is established as a guiding principle that North-South agreements should normally not go deeper or run faster than South-South agreements. In light of observed global trends, upcoming inter-regional trade deals will differ from current preferential North-South trade agreements, and Northern partners will be adamant that future agreements should go deep, as the chapter critically discusses at the example of the three contested principles of comprehensiveness, reciprocity and irrevocability. A short look at the implications for the US–African AGOA arrangement and an introduction to the EU–Africa EPAs concludes.