Continuity and Change in the World Trade Organization: Pluralism Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

The World Trade Organization is at an important institutional crossroads, buffeted by critique and with its once-heralded dispute system in doubt. Despite some achievements at the 2022 MC12 Ministerial Conference, the WTO appears in crisis, without a strong institutional mandate. In this Article, we offer a vision for its future, rooted in a particular interpretation of its past. The WTO's legal architecture is characterized by a resilient pluralism, which seeks to preserve diversity of governance models and regulatory approaches, both economic and political, in the domestic orders of member states. Despite strong pressures to impose a neoliberal vision of the state-market relationship on states, this pluralism has persevered; it offers a response to the WTO's critics and a mandate for the WTO's future.

US trade and industrial policy as a challenge to the modern system of international trade relations

“…Позиция США по вопросам актуальной повестки состояния международных экономических отношений затронута в работах экономистов из США (Howse et al, 2023;, России (Загашвили, 2023) и других стран .…”

“…2024. RUDN Journal of Economics, 32(1), 25-36 споров ВТО, как и сама система международных торговых отношений, устарели, не соответствуют современным экономическим реалиям и непременно должны быть реформированы (Howse et al, 2023), поэтому блокирование деятельности апелляционного органа не только выражает позицию США, но и должно стимулировать мировое сообщество к поиску соответствующего решения. Однако некоторые исследователи также отмечают несогласие США с решениями органов ВТО, выносимыми не в их пользу, что также могло послужить причиной к блокированию деятельности апелляционного органа.…”

Neutrality Principles of WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism: Legal and Moral Dimensions

“…Conversely, developing countries argue these provisions are crucial for equitable and sustainable development and their meaningful global economy participation. 39 The WTO's approach to neutrality and Special and Differential Treatment provisions is an effort to harmonize the sometimes-conflicting objectives of fairness and equity in international trade. Neutrality seeks to ensure equal treatment for all members, while S&D provisions acknowledge the need for additional support for developing countries to compete effectively in the global market.…”

“…The members of the Appellate Body are also chosen for their expertise and independence. They serve 39 Conconi, P. and Perroni, C. "Special and differential treatment of developing countries in the WTO", World Trade Review, Vol. 14 No.…”

“…However, the reality of global economic dynamics often skews this ideal. 66 The economic power wielded by countries like the United States and members of the European Union is substantial. These entities, due to their massive domestic markets, significant international trade volumes, and financial resources, naturally influence in the WTO.…”