The World Trade Organization

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is scarcely ten years old, but even in these early years of its existence it has generated debate, controversy and even outrage. Rulings on beef hormones and tuna-dolphin cases provide graphic examples of how the organization regulates and intrudes into areas of individual consumer choice, ethical preferences, and cultural habits. This deep and far-ranging impact of the WTO on peoples' everyday lives means that it is not just an institution of interest to economists, but to everyone, a fact that was perhaps most graphically illustrated in the popular demonstrations at the 1999 Seattle Ministerial. Such protests have become a regular feature associated with most high-level meetings of the WTO. This VSI will provide a timely and carefully considered explanation of what the WTO is, what it does, and how it goes about executing its tasks. A clear understanding of the mandate, structure and functioning of the WTO is essential to appreciate the controversy behind the organization, and how far it deserves the reputation that it has come to acquire.

ISBN 0192806084   Volumes 1 ISBN13 9780192806086 (What's this?)   Weight (grammes) 153 Publisher Oxford University Press   Published in Oxford Imprint Oxford University Press   Series ISSN 135 Format Paperback   Series title Very Short Introductions Publication date 08 Sep 2005   Height (mm) 174 Library of Congress 2005019519   Width (mm) 111 DEWEY 382.92   Spine width (mm) 10 DEWEY edition DC22   Academic level General Pages 168

1		Who needs an international trade organization?		1
2		The creation of the World Trade Organization		22
3		Decision-making and negotiation processes		42
4		The expanding mandate		59
5		Settling disputes		85
6		The Doha development agenda		99
7		The burden of governance		122

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