NGOs: Representing civil society at the WTO?

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

7 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

01/12/2009

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

International relations

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Summary :

Introduction.
The legal framework for participation.
1. Vagueness of Article V 2 of the Marrakech Agreement.
2. The guidelines for WTO-NGO interaction created two years later.
Active participation of NGOs in WTO activities: Is it not enough.
1. A call to democratize the World Trade Organization.
2. NGO's participation in WTO activities: What has been achieved.
The World Trade Organization's inability to open itself to the active and frequent input of all international actors.
Conclusion.
Bibliography.

Abstract

In 1994, the Marrakech Agreement established the World Trade Organization (wto), one of many suprastate institutions that were created all along the 20th century. The purpose of this organization is to regulate all trade activities between its Member states, by providing "the common institutional framework for the conduct of trade relations" and the legal instruments that adjust to their needs. The activities led by the wto have shaped it into a one-of-a-kind international structure that has been adapting itself to global political and economical shifts since it was created. Because Member states of the wto have been negotiating and discussing about many important issues, there has been a "substantial growth in both the range and the authority of global trade law" . What followed was an awakening of considerable interest in its activities, especially from civil society and groups that represent it. Amongst these, the Non-Governmental Organizations (ngos) have been one of the most important nonstate actor that has sought "direct contact with the wto, bypassing government authorities in order to interrogate and lobby the multilateral institution" itself. However, in an international organization in which only states participate in its activities and make decisions, is there any space for ngos to represent civil society? And if there is, which is their main role and how should Members states of the wto work with them in order to pursue common interests?