The interdependency between supranational und international arrangements setting standards for an emerging global knowledge based economy

This paper focuses on the simultaneity of fragmentation and the constitutionalisation of international law. The case in point is the interdependency between the global trade regime and international standard-setting organisations. The empirical study outlines the difference between the GATT and the GATS in their reference structure to international standard-setting organisations. A particular focus lies on the interdependency between the GATS and UNESCO in the sphere of recognition of qualifications. The paper discusses in the second part a system-theoretical, a deliberative and a Neo-Gramscian approach and outlines how each of these three different approaches provides interesting insights into the underlying dynamic of the complex interrelation between very different types of international organisations. Four hypotheses are underlining the paper's analysis. 1.) The emergence of new actors at the global level and their standard-setting activities points to a new complexity of international politics with new dynamics and prerequisites. 2.) Strengthened enforcement mechanisms of international law change the very nature of international law. It increases the prerequisites for establishing international norms and values. 3.) As a result, what we can observe is an increasing interlinkage between different types of organisations. 4.) The interlinkage is much more contested in areas where standards are linked to values and norms and are less of purely technical nature as a result of more demanding prerequisites of standard-settings in the area of service.