ABSTRACT
Normalisation arrangements and agreements take a number of different forms. These include informal discussions supplemented by a unilateral statement on relations between the two countries, joint statements, partial normalisation arrangements, through to formal normalisation agreements. A further distinct category are the cases in which the focal point of normalisation are political and security issues. In those instances, normalisation may be short-lived because of domestic opposition, change of government, or disputes concerning the terms of a normalisation agreement. Limitations on the ability either to correct imbalances or use trade for political purposes can lead to increasing domestic pressure to remove all trade restrictions and political conditions on trade normalisation. In some instances normalisation hinges on one or two focal issues. The concept of transfer effect is useful in focusing attention on the effect of side or sectoral initiatives on normalisation attitudes on core issues.
