Agricultural Sector Liberalization from the WTO to FTAs

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to develop an understanding of what the main differences are between the negotiations in the liberalization of the agricultural sector in a multilateral setting and a bilateral and plurilateral setting. Through this understanding a solution to help the WTO break free of its crossroad could be found. The research is based upon two theories: the evolutionary game theory and collective action theory. These theories divide the interests of the developing and developed world, and need to be taken in account when analyzing previous negotiations in the Doha Development Round, and the negotiations in various FTAs and RTAs. In order to investigate the research question, a qualitative methodological approach is carried out by performing case studies on the WTO Ministerial Conferences, seven FTAs, and four RTAs. The case studies show that there are beneficial elements that made the agreements possible, which could be transferred to the negotiation in the liberalization of agricultural trade in the WTO. A revised Early Harvest scenario could be used to break the WTO free from its crossroad. Ultimately, compromises need to be made by both parties.