The Dispute over Hormonal Cattle: The Lead up to EC-Hormones

Abstract

In this chapter, the focus shifts to transatlantic trade conflict that resulted in a formal WTO dispute. In understanding why some trade conflicts were resolved whilst others progressed to a trade dispute, it is necessary to isolate the key events that led to the formal request for consultations. As such, this chapter highlights the interplay between political and economic interests and scientific ideas, in an attempt to understand the role of science in the emergence of risk-based trade disputes. In the ensuing cases, it is interesting to note that the difference did not exist between epistemic communities but, rather, between how interest groups, policy-makers, and epistemic communities understood the risks present.