Scientific, Political, and Cultural Complexities of International Trade in Animals and Animal Products
Corrie Brown, DVM, PhD, University of Georgia
and Robert Kahrs, DVM, PhD, Dean Emeritus, University of Missouri
Introduction
Globalization, or the interconnectedness of economies and information, is having a larger impact on society than did the Industrial Revolution. Free trade and the internet, the underlying bases for globalization, continue to increase, creating an international labyrinthine web of goods, services, and information.
The world is quickly being divided into the Fast World and the Slow World, with the latter being less responsive and less connected globally. The Fast World is driven by the "electronic herd," large aggregates of people from multiple nations, who monitor events in the world through their computer screens and vote with their fingers, either on the stock market or through communication channels, including the media.
As a result, businesses are becoming more flexible and regulatory frameworks are pressured to become increasingly malleable and transparent. These changes will have a significant impact on veterinary medicine.
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"The future ain't what it used to be."
Yogi Berra |
Animals and animal products represent a large segment of internationally traded materials. In order for a country to succeed in this arena, it is essential that veterinarians develop skills to allow them access to foreign markets for continued expansion and to remain competitive in the global economy. Agricultural exports currently make up a huge part of the U.S. economy and figure prominently in maintaining a positive balance of trade. Fluency in global agriculture is imperative for continuing success.
This fluency requires an understanding of the interplay of science, politics and culture in the realm of internatonal agriculture. The veterinary community needs to prepare new graduates for these areas or be left behind as the electronic herd wags its gigantic tale.
Role of science >>
Role of politics >>
Role of culture >>
Present and future challenges >> |