Trade to live or live to trade: the World Trade Organization, development, and poverty

This chapter addresses two anti-WTO critiques. First, it examines the argument that current WTO rules are biased in favour of developed states. Second, it examines the argument that trade liberalization, which has been facilitated, but certainly not completely achieved, by the WTO, is good for the poor, particularly in the developing world. The differing interests of the North and South are also discussed, bearing in mind that losers from economic globalization and poverty exist in developing and industrialized states. Finally, the chapter suggests a reform proposal which addresses some of the major Southern concerns, whilst also taking into account some of the concerns of Northern progressive groups.