Brookings: Topics - World Trade Organization

Foreign Policy

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:23:32 GMT

The U.S. and the international community face great challenges in the 21st century—globalization offers more freedom and prosperity, but also new threats to our security. The Foreign Policy Studies scholars and research help policymakers and the public address these crucial issues.

Global Economy and Development

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:49:38 GMT

Could the WTO Better Serve the Poor?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 09, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

While developing countries struggle to improve their economic status in an environment of increased globalization and trade, the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement mechanism continues to disproportionately benefit wealthy nations. On November 9, Brookings held a discussion on recent efforts and suggested proposals to help developing countries overcome hurdles imposed by the WTO.

Self-Enforcing Trade : Developing Countries and WTO Dispute Settlement

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Self-Enforcing Trade examines the WTO's "extended litigation process," highlighting the tangle of international economics, law, and politics that participants must master. He identifies the costs that prevent developing countries from disentangling the self-enforcement process and fully using the WTO system as part of their growth strategies.

G-20 Summit: Recovering from the Crisis

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On September 24, President Obama will chair his first G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. With the world economy improving, leaders will now focus their attention on economic recovery and restoring financial stability. Experts from Brookings Global Economy and Development program analyze top issues to be addressed at the summit and provide recommendations on how to effectively overcome global economic and governance challenges to ensure recovery now and to prevent future crises.

Protectionism Continues its Climb

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chad P. Bown finds that although the G-20 committed to reduce trade protectionism and barriers following the start of the financial crisis, almost all of them have turned to trade “remedy” policy instruments in response to domestic industry demands for protection from import competition.

U.S.–China Trade Conflicts and the Future of the WTO

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The political handling of the ongoing U.S.–China trade disputes is critically important both to the international trade system and the long-term relevance of the WTO. In an article in the Fletcher Forum of World Affairs, Chad P. Bown explains what to expect from both sides and which issues are likely to emerge along the way.

What Role for International Law in the Arab World?

Sun, 31 May 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 31, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The Brookings Doha Center hosted a discussion on the role of international law in the Arab world. Panelists included Mohamed Ali, president of the Criminal Court of Alexandria; Mutlaq Al Qahtani, an international law expert who previously served as the State of Qatar's minister to the United Nations; and Susan Karamanian, associate dean for international and comparative legal studies at The George Washington University Law School.

Protectionism on the Rise: A Report on the Use of Trade Remedies During the Global Financial Crisis

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite G-20 promises to reduce trade protectionism and barriers, Chad P. Bown shows through new data and a new report that protectionism increased and spread 18.8 percent during the first quarter of 2009.

G-20 Should Be Pragmatic About Protectionism

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Global trade and reducing protectionism will be on the agenda at the G-20 Summit in London. Paul Blustein recommends an ambitious, but practical approach, advising that minimizing long-term damage to the trading system should be the overarching goal.

The G-20 London Summit 2009

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Leaders of the Group of 20 (G-20) countries met in London on April 2 for their second summit on the global financial crisis. In a new set of articles, Brookings experts addressed the critical issues for policy-makers and offered guidelines for more effective global coordination.

The G-20 Summit and Global Trade: Restore Credit and Resist Protectionism

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Global trade has declined considerably in the wake of the global financial crisis due to decreased demand and increased protectionism. Arvind Panagariya advises the G-20 nations on how to reinvigorate trade to stimulate economies through specific recommendations aimed at restoring the flow of goods and finances.

Protectionism Is on the Rise: Antidumping Import Investigations

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a special VoxEU.org compilation of research and analysis to address the negative effects of the financial crisis on global trade, Chad Bown examines the increase in protectionism and antidumping among WTO members.

Global Governance Breakthrough: The G20 Summit and the Future Agenda

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada, and Senior Fellows Colin Bradford and Johannes Linn assess the successful G20 Summit, its impact on global governance and provide recommendations for President-elect Obama. They argue that the next administration can build an inclusive and cooperative summit group to resolve the current financial and economic crisis as well as address other major complex global challenges and opportunities.

Don't Trade Recession for Depression

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a new op-ed, Paul Blustein addresses the specter of rising protectionism in the U.S. and discusses how the stalemate in the global trade talks pose significant threats for the global economy and the World Trade Organization.

How the WTO's Doha Round Negotiations Went Awry in July 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a new article, Paul Blustein provides an in-depth account of the collapse of the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round of global trade talks in July 2008, based on interviews with top officials, revealing new insights into what went wrong and what lies ahead for global trade. Blustein is a Journalist in Residence at Brookings and is working on a book on the WTO.

Top 10 Global Economic Challenges Facing America's 44th President

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As President-Elect Obama prepares to lead the United States, what are the top global economic challenges facing the new president and his advisors and how should the new administration address them? A new report by Brookings global economic and development experts ranks the top 10 issues and details specific ideas for how to tackle the toughest challenges.

Can the World Be Governed? Possibilities for Effective Multilateralism

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 10, 2008, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

As the global economic and power structures have shifted in recent years, calls for reform of global institutions and governance mechanisms have increased. On September 10, Brookings hosted the Centre for International Governance Innovation to discuss the possibility of reform of current international organizations and processes and what the best options are for effective reform.

How Not To Punish Moscow

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Cliff Gaddy discusses the politics of managing the situation between Russia and Georgia, advising that using economics as a tool poses risks on a global scale.

Doha: The Last Mile

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Arvind Panagariya, a nonresident senior fellow in Brookings's Global Economy and Development program, and Jagdish Bhagwati, an economics professor at Columbia University, discuss issues surrounding the recent collapse of the Doha Round and the strides WTO director general Pascal Lamy is taking to salvage a successful trade deal.

Doha Trade Talks Collapse: What’s Next for Global Trade?

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Negotiations in the Doha Round of global trade talks broke down July 29 at the World Trade Organization’s headquarters in Geneva. Paul Blustein discusses the WTO’s centrality to the global trading system, warns that erosion of its authority would endanger the system’s stability, and challenges the United States to halt the pursuit of further bilateral and regional trade agreements, as those pacts threaten to undermine multilateralism.

Trade Pacts Run Amok

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a recent World Policy Journal article, Paul Blustein, Journalist-in-Residence in Global Economy and Development, questions the merits of free trade agreements and the motivations behind them.

How the Food Crisis Could Solve the Doha Round

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings expert Arvind Panagariya and Council on Foreign Relations fellow Jagdish Bhagwati discuss different arguments for the possibility that the food crisis could solve the Doha trade round.

Showdown on U.S.-Colombia FTA

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A blend of policy, process and politics may doom the free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia. Paul Blustein argues that President Bush's difficulty persuading Congress to ratify the pact may finally teach trade negotiators that bilateral trade agreements can be a lot more trouble than they’re worth.

The Impact of Rising Global Food Prices

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

International food prices are rising globally, prompting many countries to adjust tariffs to attract or keep more food domestically. Homi Kharas, Senior Fellow, Wolfensohn Center for Development, recently discussed the tariffs with NPR, noting how policies are impacting production and consumption patterns globally.

Facing Protectionism Generated By Trade Disputes: China’s Post-WTO Blues

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. policymakers and presidential hopefuls often express concern over the large and growing U.S.-China trade deficit and propose solutions, including appreciation of the yuan, to help resolve it. Yet, what are the real economic issues underlying the trade deficit and what policies would help successfully resolve it?

From Lima to Doha: Assessing the U.S. Trade Agenda

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The House approved a free-trade agreement with Peru last week, and Senate approval appears likely. Brookings Journalist-in-Residence Paul Blustein contends that the bipartisan vote was a breakthrough, but what’s needed is a meaningful Doha Round deal.

Building a Constructive U.S.-Russian Relationship

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Strobe Talbott testified before a congressional committee that in the contentious dialogue between the United States and Russia, where domestically popular Vladimir Putin continues to assert state power, we must get the tone and tactics right in a "long-term strategy of inducing Russia to accept the terms and standards of the international community." Talbott focused particularly on energy issues, arms control and Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Reform of Global Governance: Priorities for Action

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Governance reform was high on the agenda at the recent World Bank/IMF Annual Meeting in Washington. Brookings experts Colin Bradford and Johannes Linn examine priorities for reform at both institutions and other global organizations in a new Policy Brief.

Global Trade Talks: The Doha Disaster

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Paul Blustein, The Brookings Institution (07/09/07)

Trade Adjustment in the WTO System: Are More Safeguards the Answer?

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

For countries to engage successfully in the international trading system, their industries, firms, and workers must respond continually to new conditions of competition.

No More Second-Best Trade Solutions

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Chad P. Bown, Washington Post (4/13/07)

Making Trade Agreements Relevant for Poor Countries: Why Dispute Settlement is Not Enough

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Poor countries are rarely challenged in formal WTO trade disputes for failing to live up to commitments, reducing the benefits of their participation in international trade agreements. This paper examines the political-economic causes of the failure to challenge poor countries and discusses the static and dynamic costs and externality implications of this failure. Given the weak incentives to enforce WTO rules and disciplines against small and poor members, bolstering the transparency function of the WTO is important to make trade agreements more relevant to trade constituencies in developing countries. While our focus is on the WTO system, our arguments also apply to reciprocal North-South trade agreements

U.S. Shares Blame for Trade Talk Collapse

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

An Opinion by Lael Brainard about the breakdowns of the Doha Negotiations

The Doha Round: Now Where Are We Headed?

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Lael Brainard The Brookings Institution (12/5/05)

WTO Dispute Settlement and the Missing Developing Country Cases: Engaging the Private Sector

Sun, 01 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Chad P. Bown and Bernard M. Hoekman (May 2005)

Cordell Hull, The Reciprocal Trade Agreement Act, and the WTO

Sun, 10 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Kenneth Dam (10/10/04)

WTO Hands a Critical Victory to African Farmers

Fri, 21 May 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Susan E. Rice and Gayle E. Smith, YaleGlobal Online (5/21/04)

Putin: Talk Like a Democrat, Walk Like an Autocrat

Wed, 12 May 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings President Strobe Talbott writes that Russia's success in coming years depends on whether Vladimir Putin is willing and able to bring his authoritarian walk in line with his democratic talk.

The Consequences of China's WTO Accession on its Neighbors

Sun, 01 Feb 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Warwick J. McKibbin and Wing Thye Woo (02/04)

U.S. Steel Tariffs

Tue, 11 Nov 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Interview of Lael Brainard for WAMU (11/13/2003)

A Preview of the World Bank/IMF and World Trade Organization Meetings

Tue, 09 Sep 2003 16:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 09, 2003, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Stemming the Backlash Against Globalization

Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #78, by Carol Graham (April 2001)

The World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference

Wed, 31 Oct 2001 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 31, 2001, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Trading Places

Sun, 01 Jul 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Lael Brainard, The International Economy, (July/August 2001)

France, the United States, and the Biotechnology Dispute

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT

U.S.-France Analysis, by Olivier Cadot and David Vogel, Center on the US and France, Foreign Policy Studies, The Brookings Institution

The "Globalization" Challenge: The U.S. Role in Shaping World Trade and Investment

Wed, 01 Mar 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Robert E. Litan (Spring 2000)

Toward Constructive International Trade Dispute Resolution: Lessons from Recent U.S.-Japan Disputes on Restrictive Practices

Wed, 01 Sep 1999 00:00:00 GMT

CNAPS Working Paper, Fall 1999, by Masabumi Suzuki, Visiting Fellow, Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies

Blessing or Curse? The East Asian Crisis and America's Trade Deficit

Mon, 01 Jun 1998 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Robert Z. Lawrence (ummer 1998)

A U.S.-Japan Trade Agenda: Despite Recent Reverses, Japan is Still a Huge Market that Needs to be More Open

Sun, 01 Jun 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Edward J. Lincoln (Summer 1997)

Commercializing Foreign Policy?: American trade policy, then and now

Sat, 01 Mar 1997 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Review article by Pietro S. Nivola (Spring 1997)

China and the WTO

Fri, 01 Nov 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #10 by Nicholas Lardy (November 1996)