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WTO decision-making for the future

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  • Low, Patrick

Abstract

Decision making in the WTO has become ever more difficult as the number of members increases and the range of issues tackled broadens. This paper looks at reasons why aspects of decision-making might be changed and discusses a number of potential pitfalls that change would have to avoid, such as a dilution of commitments and fragmentation of the multilateral trading system. It then takes a detailed look at the notion of critical mass decision-making. It argues for this approach under certain conditions, as it would: i) allow for the emergence of a more progressive and responsive WTO agenda; ii) blunt the diversion of trade cooperation initiatives to RTAs; iii) allow more efficient differentiation in the levels of rights and obligations among a community of highly diverse economies; and iv) promote greater efficiency in multilaterally-based negotiations on trade rules, and perhaps, sectoral market access agreements.

Suggested Citation

  • Low, Patrick, 2011. "WTO decision-making for the future," WTO Staff Working Papers ERSD-2011-05, World Trade Organization (WTO), Economic Research and Statistics Division.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wtowps:ersd201105
    DOI: 10.30875/75543942-en
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Florian Freund, 2021. "The role of coalitions at international tariff negotiations: a CGE perspective," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 157(3), pages 583-601, August.
    2. Pasquale Lubello, 2022. "Probit 9 in international trade: another case of institutional path dependence," Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, Springer, vol. 103(2), pages 97-116, June.
    3. NAGEL Daniel, 2017. "The Fate of 21st Century Multilateralism," European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bucharest Economic Academy, issue 02, June.
    4. Nakatomi, Michitaka, 2013. "Plurilateral Agreements: A Viable Alternative to the World Trade Organization?," ADBI Working Papers 439, Asian Development Bank Institute.
    5. Stephen, Matthew D. & Parízek, Michal, 2019. "New Powers and the Distribution of Preferences in Global Trade Governance: From Deadlock and Drift to Fragmentation," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 24(6), pages 735-758.
    6. Sterian Maria Gabriela, 2013. "The Role Of International Organizations In The Global Economic Governance – An Assessment," Romanian Economic Business Review, Romanian-American University, vol. 8(4.1), pages 308-316, december.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    GATT/WTO; negotiations; decision-making;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • F5 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy

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