E-Book Overview
This comprehensive and accessible book examines the evolution of the multilateral trade regime in the ever-changing global economic environment, particularly during the WTO era and the ongoing Doha Round. Professor Das explores how the creation of the multilateral trade regime, or the GATT/WTO system, has been fraught with difficulties. He describes the ways, by means of various rounds of negotiations, the multilateral trade regime has constantly adjusted itself to the new realities of the global economy. One glance at the recent history indicates that the evolution of the multilateral trade regime was far from even-handed and steady. The GATT/WTO system was repeatedly pushed to the brink of utter and ignominious disaster. Yet, as the author illustrates, the participating economies persevered. Consequently, the fabric of multilateral trade regime is stronger, its foundation deeper and its framework wider now than it was a generation ago. Unlike the GATT era, membership of the present trade regime is close to universal. The author concludes that of the two phases, the latter has turned out to be the more arduous, intricate and complex phase of evolution. Students and scholars of economics, international trade, international political economy and international relations will find this study of great interest. The definitions and explanations of terminology and advanced concepts make the book accessible to those without an extensive economic background.
E-Book Content
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The Evolving Global Trade Architecture
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For Vasanti, who knows the fiction and non-fiction of my life, as well as all that cannot be put in words.
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The Evolving Global Trade Architecture Dilip K. Das
Edward Elgar Cheltenham, UK • Northampton, MA, USA
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© Dilip K. Das 2007 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Published by Edward Elgar Publishing Limited Glensanda House Montpellier Parade Cheltenham Glos GL50 1UA UK Edward Elgar Publishing, Inc. William Pratt House 9 Dewey Court Northampton Massachusetts 01060 USA
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Das, Dilip K., 1945– The evolving global trade architecture / Dilip K. Das. p. cm. 1. Free trade. 2. International trade. 3. Foreign trade regulation. 4. General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (Organization) 5. World Trade Organization. 6. Uruguay Round (1987–1994) 7. Globalization — Economic aspects. 8. International economic relations. I. Title. Policy sicences. 2. Policy sciences — Case studies. I. Title. II. Series: New horizons in public policy. HF1713 D342 2007 382'.92—dc22 2006034555 ISBN 978 1 84720 218 5 (cased) Printed and bound in Great Britain by MPG Books Ltd, Bodmin, Cornwall
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There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat; And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures. William Shakespeare (Julius Caesar, Act IV, Scene III)
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