ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the actual conduct of negotiations in the United Nations and on negotiations within the different regional blocs for unified positions. The complexities of regional coalition politics and their effect on multilateral negotiations are demonstrated as the different groups attempt to reconcile their aims with global economic realities. The West promoted transnational corporations (TNC) activities abroad and encouraged the development of an international economic environment that would be attractive to foreign investment. The rhetoric cited the prior hegemonic intentions of home countries and the inequity in investment distribution as de facto evidence of the lack of benefits from TNC operations. The expanded role of TNCs was accompanied by allegations that they were infringing upon the sovereignty of developing countries. The extent to which TNCs should conform to the developmental objectives and priorities of host countries was another area of concern to both the Group of 77 and the Western Group.
