The World Trade Organization: Changing Dynamics in the Global Political Economy

A comprehensive examination of the World Trade Organization, this book covers all the basics: the WTO's history, its structure, and its practices and concerns. Lanoszka begins with an overview of the world trading system since the end of World War II and explains the profound changes brought about by the establishment of the WTO. A discussion of the organization's structure, rules, membership criteria, and decisionmaking processes provides the foundation for an exploration of key issues that continue to be sources of international tension. The rapidly growing global service economy is the topic of an entire chapter, as is the passionately debated subject of intellectual property rights. Emerging issues such as the environment, e-commerce, and the new roles of the developing countries also receive thorough attention. The book concludes with a look at recent developments taking place in the WTO and, more broadly, in the world trade system.