Negotiation Dynamics of the Wto ― An Insider Account

The book aims at informing and educating the public at large about the intricacies of the Negotiation Dynamics at the WTO. It traces the period from the launch of the Uruguay Round in 1986 to its conclusion at Marrakesh in 1994 and the subsequent entry into force of the WTO on 1 January 1995.

The book shows how WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle was doomed to fail and its failure led to “trust deficit” between the developed countries on the one hand and certain key developing and least-developed countries on the other. Thus tracing the WTO saga that began in the wake of the failure at Seattle and the difficult path that led to the launch of a new Round at Doha in November 2001.

The book throws light on India’s domestic decision-making structure as well as some of the factors driving India’s negotiating stance at the WTO. It also describes the current impasse at the WTO and offers some ideas to revive an institution that is so crucial for the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system.

Dr Mohan Kumar is currently Vice Dean and Professor of Diplomatic Practice at Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, India. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Delhi-based think tank Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).

Dr Kumar has had a successful career in the Indian Foreign Service lasting 36 years. He has had a variety of foreign assignments culminating in his posting as India’s Ambassador to France from 2015 to 2017.

One of the defining features of Dr Kumar’s career has been his substantive involvement as India’s lead negotiator at the GATT and the WTO. Dr Kumar was part of the Indian delegation to the WTO Ministerial Conferences in Marrakesh, Seattle and Doha. He has also served in multiple WTO dispute settlement panels as an expert. Dr Kumar holds a doctorate from the reputed Sciences Po University in Paris, France on the subject of WTO Negotiation Dynamics.