And, less acceptably, they are blamed for conflict, low labour conditions, etc. Developing countries have also seen the consequences of failure. In the Uruguay Round, it is now widely accepted that, except for a few countries, notably in agriculture in the Cairns group and the textiles and clothing group, they did not gain because they did not identify objectives and participate actively. And not gaining means that they lost, at least relatively, and sometimes absolutely. Preference erosion is the clearest example.
Globalisation means both increased interdependence and increased regulation.
It is important to emphasise that globalisation is therefore not simply increased openness to international flows or reduced discrimination between national and foreign , but an active adjustment of both markets and rules to a changed international system. They have historical links and overriding political reasons for existence. This gives them great strength, as there will always be a presumption that a solution to disagreements over rules must be found, because common interests are more important. Developing countries are trying to improve their participation when the system is becoming more complex. Not only is each negotiation difficult, but there are more negotiations and discussions happening, both formally and informally.