From Local to Global—The Role of Geographical Isolation in Shaping Competition Law
Geographical isolation refers to the extent to which various boundaries that are concerned with politics, time, distance, and other such aspects isolate particular population centres from one another. This chapter asserts that geographical isolation, technological advances, and various improvements that both social and business organizations have undergone throughout the years, have brought about significant effects in shaping the approach that law adopts in dealing with competition. In doing this, the chapter identifies three major periods that are relevant in the history of competition law. The chapter first demonstrates, during the period of mercantilism, that law's approach was determined by geographical isolation. Secondly, it discusses how, in 19th-century America, the communications and transport revolution initiated the first modern system of competition law. Lastly, in the context of the current global era, the chapter examines the ‘e-revolution’, the transnational nature manifested in various business structures and aspects of trade liberalization.
Keywords: geographical isolation, competition law, mercantilism, 19th-century America, communications revolution, transport revolution, current global era, e-revolution, transnational nature, trade liberalization
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