The World Trade Organization has been criticized for:
A) Taking a largely free-trade philosophy over a fair trade philosophy.
B) Failing to reduce trade barriers that encourage free trade.
C) Imposing harsh penalties on country's that fail to protect labor and environmental interests.
D) Imposing sanctions on countries that set up barriers to free trade.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The World Trade Organization is often criticized for prioritizing free trade over fair trade. Critics argue that this approach benefits wealthier nations and corporations at the expense of developing countries and workers.

Answer: B
 While the WTO has made progress in reducing some trade barriers, critics argue that it has not done enough to address issues such as agricultural subsidies, intellectual property rights, and non-tariff barriers to trade.

Answer: C
 The WTO does not have the authority to impose penalties on countries for failing to protect labor and environmental interests. This responsibility falls under the jurisdiction of other international organizations such as the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Answer: D
 The WTO does have the authority to impose sanctions on countries that violate its rules and set up barriers to free trade. However, some critics argue that these sanctions can be too harsh and do not take into account the unique circumstances of each country.

The World Trade Organization Has Been Criticized For