Are the National Security Exceptions Sacrosanct?

Are the National Security Exceptions Sacrosanct?

Recognizing the increasing resort to trade sanctions for national security purposes, we touch upon the national security exceptions rules with an aim of exploring the well-defined criteria for trade sanctions. First, we discuss the relationship between international trade and national security. After examining multilateral rules, mainly WTO Agreements, and trade disputes concerning national security, we analyze the national and regional rules, focusing the US legislations and the NAFTA and Korea's FTAs. Then, we suggest policy recommendations for more trade-friendly national security measures. They are objective and workable guidelines for invoking the national security exceptions and redefinition of the national security. Finally, we conclude with some future issues, including special and differential rules for developing countries.