WTO Dispute Settlement and Africa's Development: A Mission Aborted?

ISBN: 3659263230

Author: Waiganjo, Kamotho

Condition: New

In its long history the multilateral trading system has failed to adequately address the concerns of developing countries. The Understanding on Dispute Settlement under the WTO was hailed as a central pillar of the reform of the system. Not only would it transform the Dispute Settlement System from a might to a right system but it would also facilitate the development of a jurisprudence that would recognise the special needs of developing economies. Despite this promise, developing economies especially those in Africa have not exploited the opportunities accorded by the new system. In this book, the Author investigates the reasons for this lack of involvement and proposes ways in which the system could be reformed to enable developing economies effectively enforce their rights under the WTO agreements. In the Author's view, the WTO must enable developing countries to fully participate in all its processes. Failing this, the WTO's stated objective of uplifting the standards of living of its members' populations will remain a mirage; especially for African economies.