Since its establishment in 1995, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has played a central
role in shaping global trade rules, promoting multilateralism, and fostering economic
cooperation. However, over the past two decades, the organization has faced growing
criticism and institutional challenges—ranging from deadlocks in negotiations, dispute
settlement paralysis, and growing protectionist policies among member nations. These
developments have led many to question the relevance and effectiveness of the WTO in
today’s rapidly evolving global economic landscape. At the same time, recent efforts to
reform the WTO, revive its dispute resolution mechanism, and reestablish its authority on
trade governance signal a possible renaissance of the institution. The changing dynamics of
international trade—such as digital trade, climate-linked trade policies, supply chain
resilience, and geopolitical tensions—present both challenges and opportunities for the WTO
to reinvent itself and remain a cornerstone of global economic cooperation.
This International Webinar on the WTO: Decline and Renaissance will explore the historical
trajectory, current crises, and potential paths for revival of the WTO. Bringing together
academics, trade experts, diplomats, economists, legal scholars, and policymakers, the event
will facilitate critical dialogue on the future of the multilateral trading system in an
increasingly fragmented world.
Key Discussion Themes:
Failure and resilient of the WTO
Cause and implications of the WTO's decline
The breakdown of the dispute settlement system and Appellate Body
Rise of regional and bilateral trade agreements: WTO sidelined?
US-China trade tensions and their impact on WTO legitimacy
The need for WTO reform: Proposals, roadblocks, and prospects
WTO and the Global South: Equity, access, and representation
WTO’s role in new trade frontiers such as E-commerce, digital economy, AI, and
green trade
Can the WTO navigate rising nationalism and multipolarity?
What would a reformed and resilient WTO look like?
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is open to a global audience and does not require paper submission. It is
particularly relevant for students and scholars in international relations, economics, law, and
political science, as well as policy analysts and economists with an interest in trade and
globalization. Legal professionals and trade lawyers, along with diplomats and government
officials involved in international trade negotiations, will also find the content highly
valuable. Additionally, the event is geared toward representatives from international
organizations, development experts, members of the business and trade communities, as well
as civil society organizations and think tanks.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
Registration link: https://forms.gle/j4W7v2oqxCtNvi9X8
No Registration fees
Date: 26th July 2025
Time: 3 PM to 7 PM
Mode: Virtual
Last date of Registration: 20th July 2025
E-certificates will be provided to all registered participants.
DEPARTMENT OF STUDIES IN LAW
The Department of Studies in Law was established in 1973 and is a prominent institution in
Southern India, recognized for its high standards in legal education and research. The department offers a two-year LL.M. program with specializations in Constitutional Law,
International Law, and Business and Trade Law. The program is research-oriented, requiring
students to complete a dissertation, many of which are published. The department also offers
a Ph.D. program, supporting advanced research under the guidance of experienced faculty. It
attracts a diverse student body from across India and internationally, including countries such
as Afghanistan, Iran, Kenya, Tanzania, and Yemen.
Contact Information
For inquiries and participation confirmation, please contact the following undersigned:
Organizing Members
Email: dos@law.uni-mysore.ac.in