Information about the organization		 THE 10 MISUNDERSTANDINGS: 10. undemocratic?
 10. The WTO is NOT undemocratic

Decisions in the WTO are generally by consensus. In principle, that’s even more democratic than majority rule because no decision is taken until everyone agrees

THE 10 MISUNDERSTANDINGS
 1. WTO dictates?
2. Blindly for trade?
3. Ignores development?
4. Anti-green?
5. Anti-health?
6. Wrecks jobs?
7. Small left out?
8. Tool of lobbies?
9. Weak forced to join?
10. Undemocratic?
  

See also:
 > The WTO in Brief
> 10 benefits
> Understanding the WTO


Everyone has a voice, everyone has to be persuaded
Decisions are by consensus. Agreements are ratified in parliaments.

 

It would be wrong to suggest that every country has the same bargaining power. Nevertheless, the consensus rule means every country has a voice, and every country has to be convinced before it joins a consensus. Quite often reluctant countries are persuaded by being offered something in return.

Consensus also means every country accepts the decisions. There are no dissenters.

What is more, the WTO’s trade rules, resulting from the Uruguay Round trade talks, were negotiated by member governments and ratified in members’ parliaments.

 
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