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In 2021 the Singapore Resolution was passed requiring ASEAN nations to cut GMO usage by around 25% compared to the levels of reliance in 2010. However, developing countries at the time (e.g. Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia) objected to this target. Negotiations to replace the Singapore Resolution with another binding agreement have repeatedly stalled due to developing and developed nations differing as to how GMO usage should be cut. Which of the following statements are true? Nations should go ahead with the proposal if the vertically summed MB exceeds the MC of a new agreement. Developing nations' (such as Cambodia) refusal to cut GMO usage can be seen as an example of the free rider problem. Nations should agree to cut GMO usage as close to zero as possible because any positive level of GMO usage is inefficient. Individual nations have a clear incentive to cut GMO usage as they will only enjoy the benefits of their reductions in ASEAN GMO usage.

1 Answer

6 votes

Answer:

None of the statements are entirely true.

The first statement is referring to the concept of marginal benefit (MB) and marginal cost (MC) analysis, which can be used to guide decision-making. However, it does not apply in this case because it is not clear what the benefits and costs of the proposed GMO usage reduction would be, and how they would be distributed among the ASEAN nations.

The second statement is not entirely accurate because developing nations' objections to the proposed GMO usage reduction cannot be automatically equated with the free-rider problem. The free-rider problem occurs when some individuals or groups benefit from a public good without contributing to its provision, but it is not clear that this is the case here.

The third statement is not entirely accurate because there may be different levels of GMO usage that are efficient depending on the specific circumstances and trade-offs involved. Furthermore, individual nations may not have a clear incentive to cut GMO usage if they perceive that the costs of doing so outweigh the benefits or if they believe that other nations will not comply with the agreement.

Overall, the issue of GMO usage reduction in ASEAN is complex and requires careful consideration of the trade-offs involved, including economic, social, and environmental factors.

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User Qoomon
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