Abstract

There is more risk evident in the international trading system today than at any time since the end of the Second World War. The difficulties surrounding the WTO Doha Development Agenda since it was launched in November 2001, and the widespread resort to preferential trade arrangements since the closing stages of the Uruguay Round are evidence that the multilateral trading system is under stress. Activist non-government organizations (NGOs) are pursuing anti-trade agendas at international meetings and conferences, while promoting environment protection agendas, social programmes and global governance, and attacking multilateralism and globalization. The uncertainties created are introducing new and unforeseen risks into international commerce.