ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the possible consequences at the international and political level, of a posthuman characterization of genetically modified (GM) crops. Building upon a case study, the chapter delineates how GM crops and human beings are currently conceptualized: passive mechanisms the former, active and creative entities the latter. Drawing on the insights of a number of posthumanist theories, the chapter proceeds to problematize these characterizations by highlighting the creative agency of genes. It subsequently appraises the possible consequences this re-conceptualization may have at the international relations level and, more generally, at the level of political theory. GM crops are also regulated by a series of international Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) treaties; arguably, the most prominent two are the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) and the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Convention.
