Synopses & Reviews
The collapse of the Doha Round hangs heavily over an already troubled world economy. Some have concluded that this failure is simply the result of a lack of political will and a pre-occupation with issues such as terrorism. But as Kent Jones reveals in The Doha Blues, the World Trade Organization needs serious structural changes, not just political backbone. He shows for instance that the WTO--now with 153 members--has become increasingly unwieldy in terms of concluding trade agreements and he suggests that countries organize around specific platform positions, a strategy that would make the "holy grail" of consensus once again possible. Jones also argues for financial support for poorer countries so that they can participate effectively in negotiations and he contends that the principle of the "single undertaking" (that "there is no agreement until everything is agreed") has become a serious and perhaps crippling constraint, and must be modified. Jones is a leading authority on trade policy and his book illuminates the real stumbling blocks to trade liberalization and highlights the way around them.
Review
"Comprehensive yet highly accessible, Kent Jones has produced a volume that will occupy the front shelves of those involved with world trade for decades to come. For the entrepreneur and trade negotiator, a handy reference source on the history and future of the GATT and WTO; for the academic, one-stop course material and a gateway to the relevant scholarly literature; and for the concerned citizen, the essential "back story" behind the daily headlines. Highly recommended and easily consumed." --William J. Bernstein, author of A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World and co-principal, Efficient Frontier Advisors
"As with his previous book, Who's Afraid of the WTO?, Kent Jones has produced a timely and informative study of the current woes afflicting multilateral trade negotiations. This new book is definitely worth reading for its insightful analysis." --Douglas Irwin, Professor of Arts and Sciences, Department of Economics, Dartmouth College and author of Free Trade under Fire
"In contrast with the GATT, many people have heard of the WTO, but as with the GATT, have little or no understanding of its goals and how it works. Kent Jones' timely new book provides both a useful introduction to the WTO and for trade specialists already familiar with the WTO, a detailed treatment of the many challenges it currently faces. His suggestions for dealing with these challenges are important because the challenges transcend the Doha Round in the sense that they will still be there regardless of whether the Round ultimately succeeds or fails." --Richard Blackhurst, Adjunct Professor, The Fletcher School, Tufts University and Former Director of Economic Research, GATT/WTO Secretariats (1985-1997)
About the Author
Kent Jones is Professor of Economics at Babson College and the author of
Who's Afraid of the WTO?