The WTO and Sustainable Development

This book argues that the WTO has evolved into a World Trade and Sustainable Development Organization. Many of the issues that are on the WTO agenda—endangered species, public health, genetic modification, the patenting of life forms—are far from what could be considered traditional trade policy matters. Some have already proven to be particularly controversial, and as the organization continues to extend its reach more controversy is sure to come. Sampson offers policy alternatives that are both ambitious and realistic in terms of achieving greater coherence and a mutually supportive approach to policy formulation in trade and sustainable development. "One of the most pressing challenges with which the WTO is confronted today is how to reconcile free trade and sustainable development.... Sampson's analysis of this challenge is sharp and his suggestions are full of wisdom. I regard this book to be a very important contribution to the study of the WTO."—Mitsuo Matsushita, founding member of the WTO Appellate Body, and professor of law at Seikei Law School, Tokyo