A Consideration of the Validity of Cultural Protectionism with Reference to the Multifunctionality of European Farms and the Canadian Magazine Dispute

This paper adresses how the defence of local culture is becoming an increasing concern in the current era of globalisation, as diminishing transport costs and new forms of communication are enabling worldwide dissemination of products and ideas. The import of cultural goods from nations with disparate values and traditions is investigated, which could potentially cause the destabilisation of national or local communities. Indeed, these cultural goods may displace existing products and result in cultural homogenisation.

Also, this paper looks at measures designed to protect culture which are exempt from WTO consideration and disputes between nations are negotiated bilaterally. As a result, fears that larger economies, such as the US, are able to dominate the cultural industries of smaller nations are investigated.

Finally, this paper makes two main recommendations concerning domestic policy and concerning international trade policy. Through the development of a methodology which can develop agreements on more easily recognisable cultural interests - those less clouded by economic motivations - such a body would be able to tackle the more complex and problematic issues, with the aim of separating economic and political issues from genuine cultural concerns.