The Broken Multilateral Trade Dispute System

Since the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, its dispute settlement mechanism has played an important role in the development and stability of the multilateral trading system. Recently, however, the dispute settlement system has come under attack. It is being pushed beyond its capacity to deal with the growing number of cases, causing frustrating delays. Moreover, some countries are questioning the effectiveness of the system altogether.

The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is pleased to host a public discussion with officials and thought leaders who have deep experience in the WTO and Asia-Pacific trade to explore such questions as: How has the WTO dispute settlement system worked to date, and how can it be improved? Are panels and appellate bodies overstepping their mandates? How have Asian countries in particular utilized the WTO’s dispute settlement system, and how have they fared? As the U.S. relies more on its own trade laws, what are the implications for the WTO and its member countries?

Speakers:

John Adank, Director, WTO Legal Affairs Division; former Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the WTO

Paul Blustein, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation; author of Misadventures of the Most Favored Nations

Stephen Kho, Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP; former Associate General Counsel, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

Yoichi Otabe, former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to the WTO

Terrence P. Stewart, Managing Partner, Stewart and Stewart

Wendy Cutler (Moderator), Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute