Conflict Between the Rules Governing the World Trade Organization and Those Governing Integration. Which Prevail?

Abstract

The pursuit of complementarity between multilateral trade, with its aim of liberalizing trade, and the proliferation of numerous regional trade agreements is the challenge the WTO must face today. While there appears to be a dichotomy between economic multilateralism and economic regionalism, this division is not particularly relevant, given that both systems can complement and even strengthen each other. The conflict between free trade and protectionism is a dynamic process that requires an organization capable of uniting the international community and effectively addressing and overcoming these problems. While the WTO seems to be fulfilling this role, its success, based on its credibility, will depend entirely on the support its members provide.