Ratification of a Free Trade Agreement: The Korean Legislature's Response to Globalisation

Abstract

This article examines the changing nature of the state's capacity under conditions of globalisation. In particular, it explores how the Korean National Assembly reacts to the challenge of globalisation as well as how a state develops its capacity to deal with transnational issues. By analysing the National Assembly's response to the ongoing issues of the Korea-Chile and Korea-USA Free Trade Agreements, this article points out the causes of the imbalance that exists between the parliament and the executive administration under the multi-level system of governance. It also examines ways of strengthening state capacity by reducing a perceived democratic deficit. The Trade Procedure Acts submitted to the 17th and 18th National Assembly can be expected to contribute to the improvement of the National Assembly's responsiveness and accountability and the state's capacity in the supranational sphere.