Table of Contents
Prefatory Note
Since its establishment in 1995, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has played a central role in shaping global trade rules, promoting multilateralism, and fostering economic cooperation. However, over the past two decades, the organization has faced growing criticism and institutional challenges—ranging from deadlocks in negotiations, dispute settlement paralysis, and growing protectionist policies among member nations. These developments have led many to question the relevance and effectiveness of the WTO in today’s rapidly evolving global economic landscape. At the same time, recent efforts to reform the WTO, revive its dispute resolution mechanism, and reestablish its authority on trade governance signal a possible renaissance of the institution. The changing dynamics of international trade—such as digital trade, climate-linked trade policies, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical tensions—present both challenges and opportunities for the WTO to reinvent itself and remain a cornerstone of global economic cooperation.
This International Webinar on the WTO: Decline and Renaissance will explore the historical trajectory, current crises, and potential paths for revival of the WTO. Bringing together academics, trade experts, diplomats, economists, legal scholars, and policymakers, the event will facilitate critical dialogue on the future of the multilateral trading system in an increasingly fragmented world.
Key Discussion Themes
- Failure and resilient of the WTO
- Cause and implications of the WTO’s decline
- The breakdown of the dispute settlement system and Appellate Body
- Rise of regional and bilateral trade agreements: WTO sidelined?
- US-China trade tensions and their impact on WTO legitimacy
- The need for WTO reform: Proposals, roadblocks, and prospects
- WTO and the Global South: Equity, access, and representation
- WTO’s role in new trade frontiers such as E-commerce, digital economy, AI, and green trade
- Can the WTO navigate rising nationalism and multipolarity?
- What would a reformed and resilient WTO look like?
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is open to a global audience and does not require paper submission. It is particularly relevant for students and scholars in international relations, economics, law, and political science, as well as policy analysts and economists with an interest in trade and globalization. Legal professionals and trade lawyers, along with diplomats and government officials involved in international trade negotiations, will also find the content highly valuable. Additionally, the event is geared toward representatives from international organizations, development experts, members of the business and trade communities, as well as civil society organizations and think tanks.
Registration Procedure
- Registration link: https://forms.gle/j4W7v2oqxCtNvi9X8
- No Registration fees
- Date: 26th July 2025
- Time: 3 PM to 7 PM
- Mode: Virtual
- Last date of Registration: 20th July 2025
- E-certificates will be provided to all registered participants.
Department of studies in law
The Department of Studies in Law was established in 1973 and is a prominent institution in Southern India, recognized for its high standards in legal education and research. The department offers a two-year LL.M. program with specializations in Constitutional Law, International Law, and Business and Trade Law. The program is research-oriented, requiring students to complete a dissertation, many of which are published. The department also offers a Ph.D. program, supporting advanced research under the guidance of experienced faculty. It attracts a diverse student body from across India and internationally, including countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Kenya, Tanzania, and Yemen.
Contact Information
For inquiries and participation confirmation, please contact the following undersigned:
Organizing Members
Email: [email protected]
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