UPSC Mains 2016 GS2 Q17 — International Trade
"The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries." Discuss in the Indian perspective. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- broader aims and objectives of WTOmanage and promote international tradeera of globalizationDoha round of negotiationsdifferences between the developed and the developing countriesIndian perspective
- Implicit sub-parts
- The fundamental mandate of the WTO in ensuring a rules-based global trade order.
- Specific core areas of deadlock in the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) such as agriculture, NAMA, and services.
- The North-South divide: Comparing the 'Development' focus of the South vs the 'Market Access' focus of the North.
- India's specific stance on public stockholding for food security and the 'Peace Clause' versus Western demands for subsidy cuts.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic history of the WTO or GATT without linking it to the current stalemate.
- Failing to mention specific agreements like AoA (Agreement on Agriculture) or TRIPs which are central to the Indian perspective.
- Neglecting the rise of plurilateral agreements (like RCEP or CPTPP) as a consequence of the WTO/Doha failure.
- Focusing too much on the 'success' of globalization rather than the 'doomed' nature of the negotiations mentioned in the prompt.
- Dimensions required
- Economic SovereigntyDevelopmental JusticeGeopolitical North-South DividePolicy Autonomy (Food Security)Global Trade Governance
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40 words to the WTO's dual role in globalization. Dedicate 60 words to the structural reasons for the Doha deadlock. Spend the remaining 100 words (the core) on India’s defensive and offensive interests, specifically addressing the balance between trade liberalization and protecting domestic subsistence farmers.
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