The Politics of International Trade Regulation in the Developing World

The Politics of International Trade Regulation in the Developing World shows that as a relatively greater number of developing countries accede to the WTO and adopt rigorous obligations and commitments, the majority continue to depend heavily on special and differential treatment (SDTs) and unilateral preference programs—neither of which are mandatory and both of which appear to diminish their relative participation in the Multilateral Trade System (MTS), including the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). While the DSB is utilized increasingly by the developing countries, the imprecise language of special treatment provisions and the political nature of preference schemes have made it less likely that certain grievances are brought to the DSB by LDCs. As it stands presently, the relative marginalization of LDCs from the multilateral trade mechanism and the international legal instrument undermines, at least in the short term, the groundwork for a more integrated international system that addresses sustainable economic growth and development.

This book is intended for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Political Science, Political Economy, Trade and Development, Politics of the Developing World and Law. It can act as supplementary reading alongside a more general text, recommended reading or research.

This book is part of the Studies on Globalization and Society Series, edited by Raj Bhala, Rice Distinguished Professor, The University of Kansas School of Law.

"This book provides a fine and timely overview of S&D issues, and stimulates the debate on rethinking S&D treatment within the WTO system." — The Developing Economies