After Seattle, world trade system faces uncertain future

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Abstract
Three months after the débâcle at Seattle, the 'leadership' of the WTO seems unable to come to grips with the several elements that led to the collapse. But one thing is reasonably certain: international economic negotiations in general, and multilateral trade negotiations in particular, can never be the same again after Seattle. Technically, 'mandated' negotiations in agriculture and services, and 'reviews' under other agreements have been launched, but these will at best mark time. Meanwhile, the members are engaged in so-called 'confidence-building' measures, including questions about internal transparency and decision making, to bridge differences and enable reconvening of the Ministerial Conference. But no one believes this is likely for at least a year, if not more. With the WTO's remit now extending beyond border trade measures in goods to areas and sectors of economic policy within countries' domestic jurisdiction, multilateral trade negotiations, and agreements involving harmonization of laws, regulations and standards within each country, become more and more complex. What may be successful for one country or group of countries may not be so in others. Until this reality is grasped by the rich and the powerful and attempts to frame and enforce one-size-fit-all trade rules and obligations applicable to all countries are given up, the WTO system faces an uncertain future in the longer term.

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