Question 20GS2GS2

"WTO is dead! Long live WTO!" in the context of this statement, account for the reasons behind why the WTO is dysfunctional. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to promote resilient, sustainable, and inclusive world trade.

Main Body

Recently WTO wrap suited against sugar subsidies of India. However, India has appealed against the same in Appellate body which will create deadlock.

Reasons behind WTO being Dysfunctional:

1No composite of dispute settlement body due to US vetoing its appointment.

2Consensus based decision backing - Challenges to grasp common ground for public subsidies, agriculture.

3Lack of interest in WTO:

Developed countries vs Developing countries - Find favorably to developed.

[Continuation] (4) Self-conception of developed or developing (for moratorium as of developed or developing).

5Focus on bilateral as regional mechanisms (like RCEP) - Reforms to promote Resilience, Sustainable, Inclusive Trade:

Resilience:

1Specific directions against malpractices of supply chains (like semiconductors).

2Scope of operations even during crisis (like Russia-Ukraine).

Sustainable:

1Environmental considerations (like IUU fishing) → Adopting principles of CBPR and climate justice.

Inclusive Trade:

1While participation of all countries (like Iran etc be included) focus should be on 2/3 voting for decisive.

2Dispute settlement body should have equal representatives.

3Participation of Non-State Actors in interpolar world.

WTO is still quintessential in a globalised world and to overcome issues like protectionism. A revamped WTO can ensure the ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam' by global prosperity.

Moratorium vs E trade, only 2 year transition for IWO sulfur.

Resilience:

1While participation of all countries (like Iran etc be included) focus should be on 2/3 voting for decisive.

2Dispute settlement body should have equal representatives.

3Participation of Non-State Actors in interpolar world.

WTO is still quintessential in a globalised world and to overcome issues like protectionism. A revamped WTO can ensure the ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam' by global prosperity.

277 words12 paragraphs1 bullet points

Conclusion

WTO is still quintessential in a globalised world and to overcome issues like protectionism. A revamped WTO can ensure the ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam' by global prosperity.

27 words

Relevant contemporary example of WTO dysfunction (India's sugar subsidy case)
Clear identification of structural weaknesses (Appellate body vacancy)
Recognition of consensus challenge in diverse membership
Distinction between developed and developing country interests
Comprehensive three-dimensional reform framework (resilience, sustainability, inclusivity)
Specific examples for each reform dimension
Recognition of non-state actors' role
Philosophical framing with Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam
Balanced view of WTO's continued relevance despite flaws

Open original scan

Page 49

Topper

AKANSH DHULL

AIR 32025Political Science and International Relations

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

International Institutions, Agencies and Fora - Structure and Mandate

WTO - Structure and Function

WTO Dysfunction and Required Reforms

Writing Stats

304

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets

prescriptive and philosophical

Tone