The Myth Behind Doha
Dani Rodrik, The Guardian | August 11, 2008
The Doha round was constructed on the myth that a negotiating agenda focused on agriculture would make it a "development round" and could help reduce global poverty. ++ But the underlying assumption that the trade regime can only legitimize itself by continuous liberalization collapsed as the US and India refused to deregulate their farm sectors. ++ However, this should not undermine the long-term acceptance of global trade rules nor enhance today's alarmism which might in the long run turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
