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This research paper examines why Zimbabwe has not experienced a total state collapse despite severe economic crisis, hyperinflation, and international sanctions under the leadership of President Robert Mugabe.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on South African agricultural exports to the US. It argues that while AGOA has facilitated growth in specific niche agricultural products and clothing, its overall impact is limited by pre-existing low tariffs, complex rules of origin, and significant non-tariff barriers such as US agricultural subsidies and restrictive standards.

The South Centre and CIEL IP Quarterly Update for the second quarter of 2004 analyzes international intellectual property (IP) policy-making, focusing on the upcoming WIPO General Assembly and developments across multilateral, plurilateral, and bilateral fora. The report highlights the challenges developing countries face when developed nations shift negotiations to bilateral 'TRIPS-plus' agreements to circumvent multilateral flexibilities. Key areas of concern include the protection of genetic resources, the proposed broadcasting treaty, and the Substantive Patent Law Treaty (SPLT).

The report provides an overview of international intellectual property (IP) developments in the fourth quarter of 2004, focusing on the tension between IP protection and development goals. It details ongoing negotiations within the WTO Council for TRIPS, WIPO, and various bilateral and regional trade agreements, highlighting the efforts of developing countries to maintain flexibilities and prevent 'TRIPS-plus' standards.

This research paper by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and WWF International examines the potential conflicts between the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and domestic water management policies. The authors argue that while water management requires flexibility and adaptive planning to protect ecosystems, the GATS favors legal predictability and 'locking in' policy choices, which may constrain a state's ability to regulate water rights, pollution, and resource extraction.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the complexities of trade-related subsidies, focusing on the divide between developed and developing nations. It argues that current WTO indicators for measuring subsidies are inadequate for resolving trade disputes and proposes the use of 'terms-of-trade' as a more effective metric. The document provides detailed case studies on the subsidy regimes and trade impacts in India, the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), and Brazil, highlighting how subsidies in OECD countries often harm the economies of developing nations, particularly in agriculture.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This executive summary by the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation (CAITEC) examines the role of WTO 'Green Box' support measures in China's agricultural transition following its 2001 accession to the WTO. It analyzes how China can utilize non-trade-distorting support to achieve sustainable development and structural adjustment while arguing that current WTO rules are biased toward developed nations.

This executive summary analyzes the use of agri-environmental and rural development measures within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, specifically focusing on the 'Green Box' of the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). It examines the practices of the 'Quad' countries (EU, Canada, US, and Japan) and evaluates the potential impacts of the Doha Round negotiations on developing countries' ability to support food security and rural development.

This executive summary analyzes the rapid adoption of transgenic crops in Argentina during the 1990s, focusing on the exceptional success of glyphosate-tolerant (RR) soybeans compared to Bt corn and cotton. It examines the intersection of macroeconomic reforms, the adoption of no-till farming, and specific institutional factors that drove this transition, while highlighting regulatory gaps and the need for national biotechnological research.

A May 2003 declaration by a broad coalition of civil society organizations calling on World Trade Organization (WTO) members to reject the launch of negotiations on investment and other 'Singapore Issues' at the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Cancun.

This report, produced by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for the Commonwealth Secretariat, provides a strategic framework for negotiating a Cotonou Investment Agreement. It argues that investment agreements must balance investor rights with the sustainable development goals of ACP countries, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the need for regional institutional support over traditional bilateral investment treaties.

A declaration by a coalition of non-governmental organizations and civil society groups explicitly rejecting the launch of negotiations on investment and other 'Singapore Issues' at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Cancun in September 2003.

This briefing by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) details the status of agricultural negotiations following the Doha Ministerial Declaration. It outlines the 'Doha Mandate' for market access, export subsidies, and domestic support, while highlighting the deep divisions between developed nations, the Cairns Group, and the Like-minded Group of developing countries regarding the implementation and definition of these commitments.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) details the status of negotiations within the WTO TRIPs Council regarding intellectual property rights, public health, and geographical indications following the 2001 Doha Declaration.

This briefing by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) details the progress of the WTO Negotiating Group on Rules following the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha. It examines the divisions between developed and developing nations regarding anti-dumping measures, subsidies—specifically fisheries subsidies—and the governance of regional trade agreements (RTAs).