Abstract:
Since
its creation, the GATT/WTO has experienced a vast number of changes,
from being a small agreement with 23 contracting parties to becoming
an international organization with 151 Members; from negotiations
on a limited number of tariff reductions and general rules to embracing
wider and more sensitive areas, such as agriculture, services, intellectual
property and environment; and from a main-trading-powers' leadership
to a wider participation and more balanced reflection of interests
from both developed and developing countries alike. This article
attempts to demonstrate the pragmatism of coalitions, as well as
both the costs and benefits of creating or joining them in the current
framework of negotiations in the Doha Round.
