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Beyond formal obligation: the trade regime and the making of political priorities

Lang, Andrew (2005) Beyond formal obligation: the trade regime and the making of political priorities. Leiden Journal of International Law, 18 (3). pp. 403-424. ISSN 0922-1565

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Identification Number: 10.1017/S0922156505002815

Abstract

The World Trade Organization is often criticized for requiring its members to adopt policies which can detrimentally affect poor and vulnerable groups. Close analysis of the relevant provisions of WTO law, however, often reveals international trade obligations to be significantly more flexible than is commonly suggested. The author argues, however, that, on its own, detailed formal analysis of trade law paints an incomplete picture. Trade law also influences political choices by framing debates about trade policy – determining the arguments which can be made, who can make them, and in what forums they can be presented. The author illustrates this argument through a focused analysis of one controversy relating to the trade regime, namely the ‘GATS and water’ debate, and in particular the question of whether the General Agreement on Trade in Services may require the ‘privatization’ of water infrastructures.

Item Type: Article
Official URL: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJourna...
Additional Information: © 2005 Foundation of the Leiden Journal of International Law
Divisions: Law
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
J Political Science > JX International law
Date Deposited: 30 Apr 2009 09:24
Last Modified: 22 Mar 2024 08:18
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/23828

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