Description
Book SynopsisDrawing from his experience at the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a veteran trade negotiator, Alan Wm. Wolff explores the history of trade, the current trading system and how the WTO should be reformed to meet and overcome emerging challenges. He addresses how the WTO has tackled contemporary challenges like Covid-19 and the climate crisis.
Trade Review'This book provides a wealth of new ideas. For some of the problems of the WTO, Wolff offers solutions that have never been tried before or not even thought of. His book provides guidance for a strategy that allows for gains and sacrifices to overcome opposition. He shows new ways to overcome hitherto unsurmountable obstacles.' Karl Brauner, Former Deputy Director-General of the WTO, and Former Director General for Trade in the Economics Ministry of Germany
'The WTO, a vital pillar of global economic governance, remains in serious trouble. Drawing upon decades of trade policy experience, Alan Wolff explains why and, more importantly, what to do about it. This volume is essential reading for senior trade policy officials, analysts, and students of the world trading system.' Simon J. Evenett, University of St. Gallen
'Alan Wm. Wolff's book is comprehensive and insightful, drawing on his extensive working experience inside and outside the GATT/WTO. He discusses with precision and clarity the origins, evolution, substantive content, and day-to-day workings of the WTO, and suggests ways of improving the workings of a troubled institution. Overall, a valuable contribution.' Patrick Low, Former Chief Economist of the WTO
'This book is an essential reference for any trade enthusiast wishing to make a positive contribution in the face of the many challenges confronting the Multilateral Trading System. In a rapidly changing and increasingly complex trade landscape, this book goes beyond addressing the future of the WTO and looks at the WTO of the future.' Hamid Mamdouh, Former Director, Services and Investment Division of the WTO, and Former Egyptian Delegate to the GATT
Table of ContentsIntroduction: saving the world trading system; Part I. Why Trade?: 1. The origins of trade; Part II. The Multilateral Trading System: 2. The founding of the multilateral trading system; 3. Core elements of the world trading system; 4. Twenty values of the multilateral trading system; 5. A brief history of the WTO as told to us by its ministerial conferences; Part III. The Regular Operations of the WTO: 6. A week at the WTO; Part IV. Major Substantive Topics: 7. Dispute settlement at the WTO; 8. Agriculture; 9. Services; 10. E-Commerce; 11. Development at the WTO; Part V. World Trade Governance and Systemic Reform: 12. The problem of governance of the multilateral trading system; 13. The need for WTO reform; 14. WTO 2025: WTO Reform; Part VI. Conclusion: 15. Conclusion – The future of the WTO; Afterword. The art and science of negotiation; Bibliography.
