The Freezing of the Unfrozen Moment: The Importance of Timing and Sequencing in Trade Negotiations

Abstract

The timing and sequencing of trade negotiations is a subject that does not command much attention from commentators. Yet, many of the substantive discussions are in danger of becoming academic if this issue is not better understood. By contrast, the EU has shown a much stronger mastery of how the timing can be used to their advantage. The EU is the master of running the clock out on negotiations, and of setting up the chessboard to limit the parties’ freedom of action.