Why do you think that the GATT rounds and, more recently, WTO negotiations have become longer and more difficult to resolve?

Over the years, the global economic landscape has undergone significant transformations. The shift from a Western-centric economic system to a more multipolar one has led to the emergence of new economic powers like China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. These countries come with their own set of interests and priorities, making consensus-building in trade negotiations more challenging than before.

Initially, GATT rounds primarily focused on tariff reductions, but with the establishment of the WTO, the scope of negotiations broadened significantly. They now encompass a wide range of issues, including non-tariff barriers, intellectual property rights, services, agriculture, and environment, among others. The complexity and interdependence of these issues make it difficult to achieve a comprehensive trade deal that satisfies all parties involved.

The number of participating countries in trade negotiations has grown considerably since the GATT era. The WTO currently has 164 members, compared to the 23 original signatories of GATT. With each additional participant, the process of reaching agreements becomes more convoluted, as there are more diverse and often conflicting interests to be taken into account.

Over the years, domestic and international interest groups have become more actively engaged in trade policy formulation and negotiation processes. They often lobby their governments to ensure their interests are protected in the final outcomes of trade talks. The influence of these interest groups adds an extra layer of complexity to the negotiations, making it harder to reach agreements that satisfy both the interests of these groups and the wider economic welfare of participating countries. In conclusion, GATT rounds and WTO negotiations have become longer and more difficult to resolve due to several factors, including the changing global economic landscape, the diversification of topics, an increase in the number of participants, and the growing influence of interest groups. All of these factors contribute to the complexity of trade negotiations and impede the progress of reaching consensus among participating countries.