Reforming the WTO: Toward More Democratic Governance and Decision-Making

This paper takes a critical approach to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and proposes a radical solution involving more direct involvement of civil society and the private sector in WTO governing structures. advocating that the WTO both should and can enjoy an effective, democratic structure of governance and decision-making. The pape demonstrates that the WTO is currently not meeting the appropriate standards of democracy and accountability that should govern its operation. In particular, the poorest of its members are disadvantaged by the governance system, which denies them the consideration and protection they require. The author envisions a new type of WTO: a transparent, inclusive, accountable and representative organization where influence is formalized and proceedings are legitimate, which can serve as a model.