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20,303 documents added on 17 August 2026
South Africa’s Defence Industry
This research paper examines the evolution of South Africa's defence industry from its growth during the apartheid era to its restructuring and reorientation toward global markets after 1994. It details the shift from state-driven self-sufficiency to a commercially focused model based on exports, international partnerships, and strategic procurement policies.
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Document type: Research paper
What future for the WTO in a changing international order?
This briefing by Razeen Sally examines the challenges facing the World Trade Organization (WTO) amidst a shifting global power structure characterized by overwhelming US dominance and the decline of European and Japanese influence. The author argues that the WTO is suffering from regulatory overload, excessive legalisation, and political deadlock, which have crippled its ability to function as a negotiating mechanism. To survive as a vehicle for liberalisation, the author suggests the WTO must return to its core purpose of reducing trade barriers and secure clear US leadership supported by pragmatic coalitions in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Document type: Briefing
Hydrogen Economy: Not So Difficult—Without Nuclear Power
This research paper, submitted as a 'Brief Communication Arising' to Nature, argues that a United States hydrogen economy is practical and economically viable without the expansion of nuclear power. The author contends that fuel cells will accelerate the decline of nuclear power by providing cheaper energy services and that wind power is a more cost-effective method for hydrogen production via electrolysis than nuclear electricity.
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Document type: Research paper
Letter to USTR's Ambassador Zoellick to Oppose the Initiation of Investment Negotiations within the World Trade Organization
A letter dated August 1, 2003, from a coalition of organizations to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick urging the United States to oppose the initiation of investment liberalization negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial meeting in Cancun.
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Document type: Statement
International Law on Investment: The Minimum Standard of Treatment
This briefing examines the evolution and application of the Minimum Standard of Treatment (MST) in international investment law, specifically contrasting traditional customary international law with the broader interpretations adopted by NAFTA tribunals.
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Document type: Briefing
GATS and Water: Retaining Policy Space to Serve the Poor (August 2003) (Ostrovsky, Speed & Tuerk) (Presented at the World Trade Organization's 5th Ministerial in August, 2003) - Center for International Environmental Law
This research paper examines the relationship between the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and domestic water policies, specifically addressing concerns that the liberalization and privatization of water services may conflict with the right to water.
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Document type: Research paper
investment_10nov03-538ba8e76fcf2a12.pdf
This report by the Center for International Environmental Law examines the evolution and application of the Minimum Standard of Treatment (MST) for foreign investments in international law, with a specific focus on NAFTA Chapter XI and the tension between customary international law and bilateral investment treaties (BITs).
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Document type: Report
necessity_3sep03-843d2d895cdaf9ae.pdf
This research paper by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) examines the legal concepts of 'necessity' and 'proportionality' within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. It argues that shifting from a strict necessity test to a proportionality test—which involves weighing trade restrictions against non-economic policy goals—could allow the WTO to usurp the regulatory authority of national governments and undermine the ability of Member States to protect public health, consumers, and the environment.
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Document type: Research paper
las empresas mandan: ¿quién paga la cuenta?
This report by Friends of the Earth International and Corporate Europe Observatory argues that the World Trade Organization (WTO) is systematically influenced by transnational corporations to create trade and investment rules that prioritize corporate profit over public health, environmental protection, and community rights.
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Document type: Report
frenar el gats!
Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) opposes the continuation of the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations, arguing that the agreement undermines social and environmental sustainability. FoEI calls for an immediate halt to negotiations, a comprehensive public impact assessment, and the exclusion of essential public services and natural resource extraction from GATS disciplines.
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Document type: Statement
no new rights for big business at the wto
Friends of the Earth International argues against the launch of investment negotiations at the WTO, claiming such rules would prioritize multinational corporations over environmental protections and public interest. The document cites failures of previous agreements like NAFTA Chapter 11 and argues that the WTO is an inappropriate forum for corporate accountability rules.
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Document type: Statement
no más privilegios para las grandes empresas en la omc
A position paper by Friends of the Earth International from August 2003 urging WTO member states to reject negotiations on a multilateral investment agreement at the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Cancún, arguing such an agreement would prioritize corporate rights over public interest and environmental protection.
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Document type: Statement
extractos del informe borrador de la revisión de las industrias extractivas (rie), versión II
This document contains excerpts from a draft report by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) reviewing the extractive industries (EI) and the role of the World Bank Group (WBG). It critiques the WBG's structural adjustment policies, its failure to protect indigenous peoples and local communities, and its insufficient approach to climate change and human rights in the context of mining, oil, and gas projects.
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Document type: Report
the world trade system how it works and what’s wrong with it
This briefing by Friends of the Earth International examines the theories, institutions, and impacts of the global trade system, arguing that its core principles are fundamentally flawed and prioritize economic growth and corporate interests over environmental sustainability, social equity, and human development.
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Document type: Briefing
rematando los derechos de los pueblos indígenas
This report by Friends of the Earth International (FOEI) examines how multilateral trade negotiations within the World Trade Organization (WTO) could negatively impact the rights of Indigenous Peoples, specifically regarding territorial rights, traditional knowledge, and the management of protected areas and natural resources.
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Document type: Report
Management letter
A management letter from KPMG Auditores Independentes to the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) regarding the audit of financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2003.
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Document type: Report
Domestic Import Regulations for Genetically Modifi ed Organisms and their Compatibility with WTO Rules
This executive summary examines the domestic import regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) across various global regions and analyzes their compatibility with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. It highlights the contrast between the stringent regulatory regimes in the European Union and the more flexible approach in the United States, while also detailing the emerging biosafety frameworks in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The document specifically evaluates potential legal conflicts regarding mandatory labelling, traceability, and the 'precautionary principle' within the context of WTO agreements such as the SPS and TBT Agreements.
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Document type: Executive summary
Las Relaciones Entre el Comercio y el Desarrollo Sostenible en la Agricultura de Centroamérica
This executive summary, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development in August 2003, analyzes the intersection of agricultural trade and sustainable development in Central America. It characterizes the region's agricultural structure, examines trade trends and projections, evaluates the environmental impacts of key agro-industrial activities, and discusses the role of international trade negotiations (WTO, CAFTA, and FTAA) in shaping support mechanisms for sustainable farming.
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Document type: Executive summary
Memorandum on S. Tomé e Principe
A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies detailing the military coup in São Tomé e Principe on July 16, 2003, led by Major Fernando Pereira. The document outlines the immediate aftermath, the formation of a 'Military Junta for National Salvation', international reactions, and the internal political and military grievances that motivated the takeover.
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Document type: Briefing
MEMORANDUM ON THE NEED TO IMPROVE INTERNAL TRANSPARENCY AND PARTICIPATION IN THE WTO
A memorandum submitted on 13 July 2003 by a coalition of ten non-governmental organisations and civil society groups to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) leadership. The document argues that the WTO's internal decision-making processes are non-transparent and undemocratic, which in turn leads to rules and agreements that disadvantage developing countries and harm the environment and vulnerable populations.
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Document type: Statement