CEPR-非经济目标、全球化与多边贸易合作（英）-2023-182页_3mb

Summary of "Non-Economic Objectives, Globalisation and Multilateral Trade Cooperation"

This report examines the role of non-economic objectives (NEOs) in trade policy, such as national security, public health, and environmental protection, and their implications for the World Trade Organization (WTO). It documents the increasing use of trade measures justified by NEOs and proposes reforms to manage their fragmented governance.

1. Introduction

The focus of trade policy has shifted from purely economic goals toward a wide range of non-economic objectives, driven by globalization, technological changes, and pressing societal concerns. This trend poses challenges to the multilateral trading system.

2. WTO Disciplines on Trade Policy

Traditional WTO disciplines prioritize non-discrimination but are evolving to address NEO-related trade measures. Key exceptions include:

• Article XX (General Exceptions): Governs measures for public morals, health, etc., requiring least trade-restrictive means and non-discrimination.
• Article XXI (Essential Security Exception): Allows unilateral trade restrictions for national security, but its interpretation has been deferred by panels.
• TBT Agreement: Requires aligning regulatory measures with international standards.

3. Increasing Use of Trade Measures for NEOs

Quantitative and qualitative trade barriers are increasingly used to pursue NEOs, with notifications and data from sources like the Global Trade Alert showing a rising trend.

4. Theory of Economic Policy

The authors propose a framework to analyze how economic and non-economic objectives interact. The effectiveness of policies must be evaluated while minimizing trade distortions and negative spillover effects.

5. Analysis of Potential Instrument

Different policy instruments offer varying costs and effects. Subsidies are often preferred for complex NEOs, but traditional border measures still play a role.

6. Managing Instruments Effect and Effects

Most disputes involve claims of national security, making deliberation more suitable than litigation. Expanding the scope of dispute settlement would help address trade conflicts while preserving core economic objectives.

7. Reform Options

The authors suggest strengthening mechanisms like Specific Trade Concerns (STCs) and exploring democratic convergence. Key policy reforms include:

• Simplifying subsidy disciplines in the SCM Agreement,
• Institutional reforms of dispute settlement for natural disasters and climate change,
• Deepening plurilateral cooperation through clubs or "buyers' clubs" for critical raw materials,
• Harmonizing cyber governance among G20 members and beyond,
• Establishing an international cyberattack database for transparency.

8. Conclusion

The WTO must evolve to reconcile trade liberalization with multitasking states pursuing NEOs. Moving towards multilateral scrutiny and governance will bolster multilateral trade cooperation and ensure fairness. Specialized judicial procedures should continue, but the emphasis should shift to strengthening multilateral cooperation among nations.

Note's provided organization:Global insights on trade-related measures help assess the frequency and rationale behind implementing non-economic policies. Keywords like security, economic security, climate, and cybersecurity are increasingly used to categorize these interventions.

### Analysis and Synthesis:
*   The core tension is between state autonomy (pursuing diverse, politically sensitive goals) and WTO norms (non-discrimination, transparency).
*   The existing legal framework is inadequate for many contemporary needs.
*   The proposed reforms focus on cultivating governance mechanisms and greater multilateral scrutiny to manage complexity and incident costs.
*   Plurilateralism through clubs is presented as a more effective path forward given persistent divides in multilateral negotiations.

The report showcases the complex interplay between economic liberalization rules and expanding state agendas, offering targeted solutions for navigating multilateral trade without sacrificing fundamental norms like national sovereignty.