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Cited by 193World Trade Organization LawInternational Arbitration and Investment LawGlobal trade and economics

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Rethinking WTO Trade Sanctions

Charnovitz, Steve·2001·American Journal of International Law
DOI 10.2307/2674626
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Abstract

The most salient feature of dispute settlement in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the possibility of authorizing a trade sanction against a scofflaw member government. This feature, however, is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it fortifies WTO rules and promotes respect for them. On the other hand, it drains away the benefits of free trade and provokes “sanction envy.” Undoubtedly, putting teeth in the WTO was one of the key achievements of the Uruguay Round ending in 1994, and a very significant step in the evolution of international economic law.1Yet after six years of experience, WTO observers are questioning whether the availability of trade enforcement is sensible.2This article undertakes an appraisal of trade sanctions as a WTO instrument, and concludes that this practice undermines the trading system. In view of this dysfunction, the article explores alternatives to trade enforcement and points to some softer measures that might have promise.

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Metadata

Authors
Charnovitz, S.
Corresponding author
Charnovitz, Steve
ORCID
Charnovitz, Steve
Venue
American Journal of International Law
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2001-10
Volume
95
Issue
4
Pages
792-832
ISSN
  • 0002-9300 (ISSN-L)
  • 2161-7953
DOI
10.2307/2674626
OpenAlex
W3123382575
Cited by
193
References
0
Citations by year
2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 36
FWCI
92.85
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 5628 d)
Locations
American Journal of International Law (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › World Trade Organization Law
  • Social Sciences › Law › International Arbitration and Investment Law
  • Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › General Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Global trade and economics
Keywords
WTO dispute settlement, trade sanctions, trade enforcement, WTO rules compliance, free trade, international economic law, Uruguay Round

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Charnovitz, S. (2001). Rethinking WTO Trade Sanctions. American Journal of International Law. https://doi.org/10.2307/2674626