Are FTA’s making the World Less Free? A Case Study of TPP

On January 23, 2017, right after assuming presidency, US President Donald Trump did good on his promise and signed the executive order that withdrew USA from the very agreement that it commenced the negotiations for: Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The unratified multinational trade agreement encompassed 12 countries which accounted for percent40 of the world’s GDP and over 800 million people. On a broader scope, TPP is often affiliated with two other trade deals; Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) both of which in terms of content resemble a lot that of TPP. Given the fact that TTIP and TiSA are not complete and not entirely disclosed with the public, we shall be exclusively focusing on TPP. TPP has been subject to many controversies. But particularly the notion that TPP would enable corporations to sue governments in private arbitration tribunals over lost profits has drawn much attention. In this article we shall be investigating whether there is some truth to these allegations. Providing reference from the articles of the agreement, we shall be discussing the qualities of TPP’s judicial reforms. But firstly, in order to introduce the reader to the subject; we will be providing with some context, to properly frame the subject, and with some information about the nature of these agreements. Secondly, we shall be addressing our main issue. In addition, we will be questioning the framework within which the agreements are officially presented. Finally, a conclusion that compromises the author’s assessment of the case will be provided.