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Fairness in the WTO Trading System

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew G. Brown

    (Amherst, MA)

  • Robert M. Stern

    (University of Michigan)

Abstract

We first provide a brief critique of the utilitarian principle as a guide to fairness in the world trading system. We then turn to the alternative conception of fairness in terms of economic equity, exploring the meaning of its two components: equality of opportunity and distributive justice. We thereafter proceed to discuss the conditions of autonomy and reciprocity that have to be met in order to realize greater fairness in multilateral trade negotiations. Next, we comment on aspects of procedural justice that are necessary for the functioning of a fair trading system. Finally, we conclude with an overall assessment of the considerations of the fairness achieved in the Uruguay Round multilateral negotiations.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew G. Brown & Robert M. Stern, 2010. "Fairness in the WTO Trading System," Working Papers 612, Research Seminar in International Economics, University of Michigan.
    • Handle: RePEc:mie:wpaper:612
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.fordschool.umich.edu/rsie/workingpapers/Papers601-625/r612.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrew G. Brown & Robert M. Stern, 2009. "Concepts of Fairness in the Global Trading System," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Globalization And International Trade Policies, chapter 5, pages 109-149, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    2. Cedro Rafael Rosa & Vieira Bruno Furtado, 2010. "John Rawls' Justice as Fairness and the WTO: A Critical Analysis on the Initial Position of the Multilateral Agricultural Negotiation," The Law and Development Review, De Gruyter, vol. 3(2), pages 122-140, May.
    3. Bernard M. Hoekman & Petros C. Mavroidis, 2000. "WTO Dispute Settlement, Transparency and Surveillance," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 23(4), pages 527-542, April.
    4. Hoekman, Bernard & Ozden, Caglar, 2005. "Trade preferences and differential treatment of developing countries : a selective survey," Policy Research Working Paper Series 3566, The World Bank.
    5. repec:bla:worlde:v:23:y:2000:i:04:p:527-542 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Bernard Hoekman & Çağlar Özden (ed.), 2006. "Trade Preferences and Differential Treatment of Developing Countries," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3320.
    7. Brown, Andrew G. & Stern, Robert M., 2008. "What are the issues in using trade agreements to improve international labor standards?," World Trade Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 7(2), pages 331-357, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fairness; Equality of Opportunity; Distributive Justice; Global Trading System;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations

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