Th4.1: Possible Conflicts with the WTO

Question 1

What are the four possible conflicts with the WTO?

Answer 1

contradict WTO’s principles
complement the trading system
ignores developing countries
threats

Question 2

Contradicts WTO’s principles

Answer 2

regional trade agreements contradict WTO principles as a common external tariff on trade outside the trading bloc introduces protectionism

Question 3

CP: What can be seen as violating WTO’s principles and how?

Answer 3

custom unions and free trade areas can be seen as violating the WTO’s principles since not all trading partners are treated equally

Question 4

Complement the trading system

Answer 4

however, they can complement the trading system and the WTO strives to ensure non-members can trade freely and easily with members of a trade bloc

Question 5

Ignores the developing countries

Answer 5

some might argue the WTO is too powerful or that it ignores developing countries, as developed countries do not trade freely with developing countries

Question 6

Threats

Answer 6

the protectionist approach of the USA and China currently provides a threat to the WTO system

Question 7

Threats

Answer 7

the protectionist approach of the USA and China currently provides a threat to the WTO system