Policymakers in industrialized countries have responded differently to the perceived opportunities and threats regarding the genetic modification of agricultural food production. In particular, a biotechnology policy divide has emerged since the 1990s between North America and some countries in South America on the one hand and many countries in the European Union. This study asks whether national differences in political culture, as expressed through different levels of tolerance for uncertainty and risk affect the formulation of protective regulatory policy in the area of genetically modified food. To answer this question, the analysis applies elements of the cultural model developed by Hofstede and uses a modified version of the Margolis Risk Matrix to assess risk tolerance in regards to the regulation of genetically modified food in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union.
Based on longitudinal data, and relying on the tragedy of the commons and the tragedy of the anti-commons theoretical frameworks, we argue: (1) groundwater permit patterns in Oklahoma are likely to contribute to the tragic overuse of groundwater resources; and (2) involvement of large and opposing groups that operate within an environment of fragmented access rights undermines the emergence of an efficient water management regime for Sardis Lake on Native American land in southeastern Oklahoma. Based on quantitative and qualitative research approaches, this study seeks to reveal patterns of groundwater overexploitation and deconstruct the complex processes surrounding the water dispute over Sardis Lake so that policymakers understand the relevant dangers and are able to identify sound policy solutions to manage common pool resources.
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