The Doha Round

Purpose of the round?

Create a multilateral treaty that would boost developing nations

Structurally speaking, why was it really hard to negotiate?

Decision-making was based on consensus only, not majority vote. Also, there was no piece-meal adoption allowed. Thirdly, all 164 members were present

How was it to succeed in its goals?

Mainly: in exchange for lowering agricultural subsidies (which would allow LDCs to export food, which they are good at producing), developing countries would be allowed to sell their services (especially banking) on LDC's markets. Also: tighten anti-dumping regulations, protection of specific cultural product naming, new environmental rules for developing nations, e-commerce rules

Why did it fail?

Pressure from US and EU agricultural lobbyists. Also BRICs were not very supportive.

Where did it happen?

Quatar

What does this mean for the future of treaty making?

Rise in bilateral treaties (like the Trans-Pacific Partnership) bc multilateral ones are gonna probably fail for similar reasons

Why was it suspended in 2006?

The US and EU decided to not reduce to agricultural subsidies