Developing Countries and Governance of the Global Trading System

This project aims to foster proposals to enhance the contribution of the global trading system (particularly the World Trade Organization) to development. The project will produce and publicize analytical research, and facilitate policy dialogues (involving high level officials and expert analysts) in three core areas:

(1) the expansion of the trade negotiations agenda and the implications for developing countries in multilateral negotiations

The Global Economic Governance Programme has convened an Oxford Trade and WTO Group to conduct this activity. Comprised of political scientists, economists, and lawyers, this Group meets regularly to discuss new issues and challenges arising for developing countries in the WTO and world trading system. Preparations for the Group meetings include the preparation of commentaries and analytical think pieces to kick off discussion. These contributions are subsequently revised and published in strategic venues as a contribution to the academic and policy literature on the issues. The content of each discussion is summarized and placed on the GEG Programme website for the benefit of a broader audience.

(2) institutional and governance reforms within the WTO

The year 2005 will mark the WTO's tenth anniversary. There has, however, been a relative neglect of systematic study of the WTO as an international organization, its effectiveness as the central body charged with managing multilateral trade, and its responsiveness to development priorities. The Global Economic Governance Programme will respond by contributing analysis of the role of developing countries in the governance and structure of the WTO and in negotiating and implementing its mandates and rules.

Specifically, in association with the Oxford University Press, the Global Economic Governance Programme proposes to publish in 2005 an edited volume assessing the WTO as an international organization, with particular reference to the circumstances, needs and expectations of developing countries. The volume will: review the evolution of the WTO since its inception, take stock of core debates regarding its governance and performance, assess challenges on the horizon, review ideas for institutional reform, recommend action; and propose further research. Post-publication, we envisage convening a high-level seminar or working group with other partners to discuss the analysis in the book and to consider next steps.

(3) strategies for developing countries to enhance their performance in international trade negotiations and dispute settlement procedures

This will include a series of discussions and papers which (i) analyse the prospects and strategies for building and maintaining effective developing country coalitions and (ii) consider how developing countries can be better informed and prepared for trade negotiations and dispute settlement proceedings--taking advantage of civil society, various sources of technical assistance, and the role of other institutions.

In its early stages of implementation, a core goal of this programme will be to build links and partnerships with a range of other academic centres, think tanks and non-governmental organizations active on trade policy and development issues. The longer term goal is to help build a community of scholars and policy analysts/influencers jointly offering critical and rigorous analysis of international economic relations and to catalyze constructive interaction between them in ways that promote policy-relevant academic research on ways to ensure global trade policymaking produces better outcomes for development.

The Research Coordinator of the project is Carolyn Deere.