Now a study that looks at cyberespionage as an economic issue and warranting action under the WTO!
James A.Lewis contends in his study for the Centre for Strategic and International Studies titled "Conflict and Negotiation in Cyberspace" that the issue is of such importance that it justifies remedy under Article XXI (Security exception) of GATT.
"WTO rules include security exceptions that clarify that the agreed should not be construed as preventing “a Member from taking any action which it considers necessary for the protection of its essential security interests.” The exception provides the vehicle for the United States and its allies to move outside the constraints of the WTO to address cyber espionage. It would be a significant reinterpretation of this exception to use it to justify a vigorous response (or to threaten a vigorous response) to cyber espionage. Many in the trade community would oppose this kind of dramatic action, but a public discussion of it by U.S. officials and initial steps may be necessary to change the behavior of other states."I am not a security expert, but using the WTO Agreement to move out of the WTO framework caught my attention. Interesting...
