Episode 83: Can the WTO Retool for an Age of Geoeconomic Competition?

The open and rules-based trading system is at an inflection point. Countries are reexamining their trade policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s rise, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; they are also looking for ways that trade policy can address national security priorities and meet the challenge of the climate crisis. Anabel González, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization, joins Jeff Rathke and Peter Rashish to discuss the outlook for the WTO as it responds to the changing global order. What role can and should trade policy play in promoting more equitable domestic societies? How can trade policy help to combat climate change? What contribution do plurilateral initiatives or groups of like-minded countries like the G7 make in advancing new trade rules and new trade liberalization? Host Jeff Rathke, President, AGI Guests Anabel González, Deputy Director-General, World Trade Organization Peter Rashish, Vice President and Director, Geoeconomics Program, AGI