We consider the purpose and design of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its predecessor, GATT. We review recent … developments in the relevant theoretical and empirical literature. And we describe the GATT/WTO architecture and briefly trace its … central features of the design and practice of the GATT/WTO, and we identify key unresolved issues. …

. The paper assembles detailed information about the IP provisions contained in active RTAs notified to the WTO. The goal … was to expand beyond the more commonly studied RTAs, to review the full array of agreements notified to the WTO and thus …

There are essentially two types of plurilateral trade agreements (PAs) among WTO Members, an exclusive and an open … discussions. This article takes a sceptical view, since any such PA would need to be agreed by consensus among all 160-odd WTO … treaty frameworks, as "WTO-extra" understandings. …

Organization (WTO). With the aim of stimulating discussion, this paper asks the question of how trade, and WTO rules, can … contribute to the post-2015 development agenda? In reply, the author offers some thoughts on 10 contributions that trade, and WTO … environment for the achievement of the post-2015 development agenda; the role that trade, and trade policy, can play in meeting …

Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), adopted by WTO Members in 2014, seeks to expedite the movement, release and clearance of … World Trade Report. At the same time, many WTO Agreements already contain provisions aimed at facilitating trade procedures … WTO Agreements such as the SPS Agreement) will be crucial for effective implementation. It will also contribute to more …

environment - promoting competition, openness to trade and investment, and adequate regulatory frameworks - can enhance … connectivity, lower trade costs, and foster growth and economic performance. For example, improving the policy environment for …

transition to the WTO. In particular, I examine the WTO Agreement on Safeguards that has replaced the GATT escape clause (Article … XIX), and the Dispute Settlement Process (DSP) that resembles a court of law under the WTO. Using this framework, I … that trade agreements under the WTO lead to fewer trade skirmishes but this effect does not necessarily result in higher …

Since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round in 1994 and the creation of the WTO in 1995, the functioning of the … few important initiatives on transparency and decision-making, most contributions on the functioning of the WTO have been … made by external observers of the WTO. However, over the past two years, an increasing number of Members have showed …

environmental policies and the multilateral trading system. In particular, it analyses some of the difficulties the WTO Dispute … failures, be ruled consistent with multilateral trade law. This paper argues that WTO law in theory provides appropriate tools … interpretations of certain WTO rules in the context of environmental disputes. …