Question

Why do you think that the GATT rounds and, more recently, WTO negotiations have become longer and more difficult to resolve?

a) Decreased global trade complexity.
b) Increased cooperation among member countries.
c) Divergence in economic priorities and policies.
d) Faster communication and decision-making.

Answer 1

The GATT rounds and WTO negotiations have become longer and more difficult to resolve due to divergence in economic priorities and policies,

Step-by-step explanation:

The GATT rounds and WTO negotiations have become longer and more difficult to resolve due to several factors:

1. Divergence in economic priorities and policies: With a larger number of member countries, there is a greater diversity of economic priorities and policies. This makes it challenging to reach consensus on trade agreements as each country seeks to protect its own interests and industries.
2. Increased cooperation among member countries: While increased cooperation is generally beneficial, it also means that negotiations involve more parties with different perspectives and demands. This can prolong the negotiation process as countries strive to find common ground.
3. Faster communication and decision-making: On the surface, faster communication and decision-making capabilities should expedite negotiations. However, as more countries are involved and there is a greater focus on a broader range of trade issues, reaching consensus becomes more challenging and time-consuming.

In summary, the longer and more difficult nature of GATT rounds and WTO negotiations can be attributed to the divergence in economic priorities and policies, increased cooperation among member countries, and the complexities arising from faster communication and decision-making.