Evaluating the Establishment of the Wto From a Neoliberal Perspective

The foundation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 marked a significant transformation in the global trade regime, institutionalizing a set of rules that reflected the principles of neoliberalism. This paper critically evaluates the formation of the WTO through the lens of neoliberal economic thought, analyzing how its institutional design, rules, and dispute settlement mechanisms embody neoliberal ideals. By examining the historical context, key actors, and the transition from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to the WTO, this study explores whether the WTO’s creation reinforced global economic liberalization or introduced contradictions within the neoliberal paradigm. The paper also considers critiques of the WTO from both proponents and opponents of neoliberalism, offering insights into the broader implications of neoliberal governance in international trade.