Democratic Decision Making in the World Trade Organization: An Assessment

Analyzes the organizational structure & decision process of the World Trade Organization to assess its democratic nature in regard to developing member countries. The trade organization's structure, though different from the World Bank's & the International Monetary Fund's, is nonetheless officially tied to these transnational institutions to maintain cooperation. The trade organization is structured according to a ministerial conference composed of member representatives from each country that has all decision-making authority. Though the decision-making process is based on a one country-one vote approach, there are consensus clauses, exceptions, & committees that dilute & redirect the process. In its brief history since 1995, the members have yet to call a vote. Power has fallen to a small group consisting of the US, the European Union, Canada, & Japan, overwhelming the initial intentions for a democratic organization. D. Bajo