Agriculture And The Wto
Towards a New Theory of International Agricultural Trade Regulation
‘This is an insightful book of ideas offering an alternative conceptualisation of the
problems of international agricultural trade, which are seen as polycentric and so must be
managed rather than resolved. It demonstrates that where there is convergence without
genuine agreement on the meaning no specific resolution can be achieved. The author is to
be commended for offering a valuable springboard for further reflection on the management
of the problems of international agricultural trade.’
– Joseph McMahon, University College Dublin, Ireland
International agricultural trade regulation remains problematic despite the
creation of the WTO and a specific Agreement on Agriculture in 1995. Fiona Smith
challenges this orthodoxy and presents a new conceptual method by which the problem of
international agricultural trade in the WTO can be understood.
Attempts to revise the rules in the Doha Development Round of multilateral trade talks
have repeatedly stalled as negotiators grapple with what is perceived to be the problem of
international agricultural trade. Issues such as how best to address the contemporary
challenges to market liberalisation whilst preserving the environment, difficulties of
biofuels, development, human rights and the demands of the changing nature of global
governance are all examined in this timely book.
Challenging convention and introducing new concepts, Agriculture and the WTO will strongly
appeal to academics working in the fields of international agricultural trade,
international relations, international economic law, agriculture law and policy. It will
also be warmly welcomed by policymakers and graduate students with a special interest in
international agricultural trade.
Fiona Smith, Lecturer in Laws, University College London, UK
Contents: Preface
1. International Agricultural Trade Regulation: Charting the Landscape
2. Current Perceptions of the Problem
3. Two Models of Disagreement
4. Polycentrism and the Issue of Market Access
5. Cultural Divergence, Polycentricity and Subsidies
6. Towards the Future Index
192 pages, Hardcover