Global trade, 9/11 attacks, and customs organizations in comparative perspectives:

In this age of globalization where the world is becoming increasingly volatile and violent, safeguarding global trade has become a contentious concern, especially after the 9/11 attacks. The customs organization, as an international stakeholder and a gatekeeper of a nation, has been called upon to simultaneously promote and protect international commerce against terrorism and traditional transnational crimes. This author makes the argument that the idea to pursue a balance between trade facilitation and security is correct; however, it is within the formation and execution of policies and programs tailored to achieve such a strategy where challenges can emerge. This dissertation is divided into three parts. Part I states the underlying problem, provides a background of the issue with literature reviews, and gives an overview of the policy machinery process. Part II depicts key case studies that were specifically chosen to illuminate this controversial issue from national, regional, and global perspectives. Each case study attempts to advance the understanding of how key customs organizations address the “balance” issue followed by a comparative review. Part III discusses existing, updated, and new policy options, followed by recommendations and conclusions. An elite survey was also conducted to expose additional diverging views and converging suggestions. Although progress has been made on this “balance” issue, more needs to be done. No single or easy solution will resolve this conundrum. To optimally address this dilemma, two guiding principles must be considered: cooperation and the multi-layered approach must be standardized and systematically adopted. In addition to embracing these two “force multiplier effect” principles, compromises in policy-making and decision-making processes must also be encouraged. In the final analysis, this dissertation attempts to bring awareness, to foster discussions, and to promote effective resolutions to the trade-balancing predicament.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical references (p. 240-258)by Chieh Ju Chan