The World Trade Organization (WTO) is scarcely 10 years old, but it has already generated a mountain of debate, controversy, and outrage. Rulings on beef hormones and tuna-dolphin cases provide explicit examples of how the organization regulates areas of individual consumer choice, ethical preferences and cultural habits.The deep and far-ranging impact of the WTO on peoples' everyday lives means that it is not just an institution of interest to economists, but to everyone, a fact that was perhaps most graphically illustrated by the demonstrations that have become a regular feature associated with high-level meetings of the WTO.
This audiobook provides a carefully considered explanation of what the WTO is, what it does, and how it goes about executing its tasks. It gives a clear understanding of the mandate, structure, and functioning of the WTO that is essential to appreciating the controversy behind the organization.