Reform of the World Trade Organization: Considering Paths to a Renewed Trade Regime

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been a centrepiece of global economic governance since its creation in 1995. Despite its established position as the preeminent multilateral institution for trade, reform has been on the WTO agenda since shortly after its creation. As the global trade regime faces unprecedented challenges from a destructive US, a rising China, planetary crises, and digital transformation, WTO reform today would appear to be the paradigmatic case of navel-gazing. And yet, WTO Members are actively engaged in discussions to improve the institution in the hopes that the current crisis will galvanise commitment to the multilateral trading system. This contribution explores the trajectory and hope for a revitalised WTO amid global trade tensions. It explores how the WTO got to this place and reflects on what a reformed WTO may look like in the coming years.