Colonel Nasser and the Suez Canal

The practice of a foreign company acquiring a significant share of a domestic company.

The acquisition of Opel, a key German automobile manufacturer, by General Motors in 1929.

The purchase of a third of AEG, a leading German electrical company, by General Electric.

The tolerance of foreign companies in Germany, even during the Nazi regime, provided they adhered to government policies.

The policy of both sides in World War II to seize enemy assets without compensation.

The seizure and control of all enemy-owned companies in Nazi Germany.

The ability of local managers of foreign companies to retain autonomy even after ties with the parent company were cut off.

Norton Company, a US manufacturer of abrasives, cooperating with the industrial policy of the Nazi regime.

The practice of governments actively seeking to limit foreign control of domestic companies, often through policies and regulations like screening investments and favoring domestic players in strategic industries.

A strategy by governments to promote domestic companies in key industries, aiming to create national champions that can compete globally.

The policy of scrutinizing foreign investments to assess their impact on the domestic economy, often involving delays and conditions to favor local alternatives.

Delays or obstacles put in place by governments during the process of foreign investment approval, often used to negotiate better terms for the domestic economy.

A strategy of governments to promote domestic companies by favoring them with access to resources, support, and other advantages over foreign competitors.

The trade-off experienced by governments when trying to balance attracting foreign investment with protecting domestic industries.

Limitations placed on government actions due to international agreements or memberships like the European Union, which restricts the ability to completely exclude foreign investors.

The acceptance of foreign takeovers of domestic companies when the foreign companies bring significant technological advancements or expertise that the domestic companies lack.

Companies from Western countries often had a significant influence over developing economies, even those outside direct colonial control. These countries, such as Thailand and Iran, often faced pressure to accept international property laws and foreign investment due to their need for modern technology and the dominance of Western diplomacy and military power.

Lever Brothers, a British company, was granted land in the Belgian Congo and managed it through a subsidiary registered in Belgium but entirely owned by Lever Brothers. This illustrates how companies could operate in developing countries without direct colonial control.

Thailand, surrounded by French and British colonies, sought to retain some autonomy by granting concessions to companies from different countries. This strategic move aimed to balance foreign influence and maintain its independence.

Many Latin American countries in the second half of the 19th century embraced liberal economic policies, including free trade, believing that foreign investment would drive economic modernization.

The interwar years saw a pushback against foreign companies, particularly with regards to the oil industry in the Middle East and Latin America. This shift reflects growing nationalism and a desire for greater control over vital natural resources.

In 1932, Iran canceled and renegotiated the Anglo-Persian Oil Company's concession, a move demonstrating increased national control over resources and a desire to reduce foreign influence in the oil industry.

Argentina established YPF, a state-owned oil company, in 1907, which coexisted with foreign companies. However, in the mid-1930s, the government reserved the most promising oil areas for YPF, indicating increased national control and a desire for greater economic independence.

The global economic crisis known as the Baring Crisis of 1890 significantly weakened Argentina's attempts to regulate British banks, illustrating the impact of global events on national economic policies.

The act of taking control of a company or asset, often from foreign ownership, and bringing it under the control of the government or the people of a nation.

A government that prioritizes its own nation's interests and often seeks to reduce foreign influence. In the case of Egypt, it led to the taking over of the Suez Canal.

A form of socialism specific to Egypt, influenced by Gamal Abdel Nasser, that involved government control of key industries and aimed to reduce foreign economic influence.

An event in 1956 where Egypt took control of the Suez Canal, a strategic waterway, from a French company, leading to international conflict.

The military intervention by France and Britain in Egypt in 1956, following the nationalization of the Suez Canal, aimed at restoring control of the waterway. This action was ultimately unsuccessful due to US pressure.

Countries with significant outward FDI, like the US and UK, tend to be more open towards foreign companies as they fear retaliation if they restrict foreign investment.

Smaller economies often adopt restrictive policies towards foreign investment due to a lack of leverage and a greater need to protect domestic businesses.

Liberal market economies usually welcome foreign investment and avoid strict controls on businesses, including foreign ones.

Countries with active industrial policies may regulate foreign companies more to ensure they maintain control over their economy and industries.

The nationality of the investing firm can influence government policies. Countries may be more restrictive towards companies from certain nations, especially if historical or cultural factors influence their stance.

Governments' policies towards foreign firms reflect the broader industrial policy background of a nation. Countries with a strong focus on domestic industries may be more cautious about foreign investment.

The distribution of inward FDI in a country is influenced by the broader industrial policy environment. Open policies often lead to greater inward investment.

The nationality of the investing firm, the size of the economy, and the broader industrial policy background all shape a country's policies towards foreign investment. A mix of these factors makes understanding investment policies complex.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is a global organization that regulates international trade. It replaced the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1995.

The WTO's dispute settlement mechanism allows members to settle trade disputes through a binding process. It's a major source of power for the organization.

The WTO's rules on intellectual property rights, services, and investment have affected multinational corporations. It's a sign of the organization's expanded influence.

The WTO's increased power and influence have raised concerns about transparency and representation in its decision-making process. This has led to criticism and protests against the organization.

The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is a part of the WTO agreements that establishes rules for the protection of intellectual property in international trade.

The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) covers trade in services, such as banking and tourism. It sets rules for transparency and non-discrimination in service trade.

The WTO has strengthened dispute settlement mechanisms compared to GATT, making its decisions more binding and influential. This has increased the organization's power in regulating international trade.

The anti-globalization movement has grown in response to concerns about the WTO's power, lack of transparency, and influence in global affairs. This movement argues for more equitable and sustainable trade practices.