ISDS Case Map
bilateralism & multilateralism
how bilateral, multilateral, regional, unilateral and plurilateral approaches relate (e.g. FTAs vis-à-vis WTO)
Global resistance to free trade intensifies: International day of action against the WTO and free trade agreements
The current international trade order was established to support the expansion of transnational companies and to keep colonial powers in control of the world’s natural resources.
This talk explored the colonial origins of modern international trade. Geopolitics, power relations, and corporate interests have shaped trade rules for over 500 years before it reached its current form.
African countries are regularly offered Free Trade Agreements by the world’s major economic powers. The balance of power is so unequal that they seem forever condemned to be the big losers.
For farmers on the ground, FTAs and the WTO rules only serve to drive down prices as far as possible, with no regard for the costs to the wellbeing and health of farmers and citizens, nor the impact on climate and biodiversity.
Whereas free trade was once the central cause of progressive reformers seeking to combat entrenched interests on behalf of ordinary people, now it is the bête noire of both right-wing nationalists and the mainstream left. To understand why attitudes changed so radically, one must follow the money.
At least seven countries have requested free trade arrangements with the East. African Community (EAC), as the bloc also intensifies efforts to expand the markets for its products.
La Via Campesina’s Statement and Open call for Endorsement
Farmers started protesting with a new set of demands including India's withdrawal from the World Trade Organization and scrapping all Free Trade Agreements.
Developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) face growing pressure to participate in and adopt the outcomes of plurilateral negotiations on electronic commerce.
