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Too Smart for Their Own Good! Complexity, Capacity and Credence in Trade Negotiations

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  • Kerr, William A.

Abstract

Multilateral trade negotiations are, by design, becoming increasingly complex. The current degree of complexity limits the ability to assess the effects of a potential agreement and inhibits the transparency needed to reach an agreement. Despite the considerable recent efforts at capacity building in developing countries, the additional complexity has outstripped the ability to build capacity. This article draws upon New Institutional Economics to examine the effects of complexity on trade negotiations. The conclusion is that the rational decision of many countries may be to opt for no agreement.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerr, William A., 2007. "Too Smart for Their Own Good! Complexity, Capacity and Credence in Trade Negotiations," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 8(2), pages 1-14.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ecjilt:9082
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.9082
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kerr, William A., 2000. "Is It Time to Re-think the WTO? A Return to the Basics," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 1(2), pages 1-9.
    2. Rude, James & Meilke, Karl D., 2006. "Canadian Agriculture and the Doha Development Agenda: The Challenges," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 7(1), pages 1-17.
    3. Brink, Lars, 2006. "WTO Constraints on U.S. and EU Domestic Support in Agriculture: The October 2005 Proposals," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 7(1), pages 1-20.
    4. William A. Kerr & James D. Gaisford (ed.), 2007. "Handbook on International Trade Policy," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3521.
    5. Kerr, William A., 2002. "A Club No More - The WTO after Doha," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 3(1), pages 1-9.
    6. Brink, Lars, 2005. "WTO Constraints on U.S. and EU Domestic Support in Agriculture: Assessing the October 2005 Proposals," Working Papers 14601, International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium.
    7. North, Douglass C, 1987. "Institutions, Transaction Costs and Economic Growth," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 25(3), pages 419-428, July.
    8. Brink, Lars, 2006. "Constraining U.S. and EU Domestic Support in Agriculture: The October 2005 WTO Proposals," 2006 Annual Meeting, August 12-18, 2006, Queensland, Australia 25399, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    9. James D. Gaisford & William A. Kerr, 2001. "Economic Analysis for International Trade Negotiations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2243.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kerr, W.A., 2010. "GATT-1947: A Living Legend Fostering International Trade," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 11(1), June.

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