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The global trading system is facing unprecedented challenges from economic nationalism, great power competition, and the inward turn of major economies. These trends threaten the multilateral foundations of international commerce and raise urgent questions about the future of global trade governance. How can trade institutions adapt to shifting geopolitical realities while addressing persistent inequalities? And what role can civil society play in shaping a more equitable system?
Drawing on ENSURED’s reports Revitalizing and Reforming the World Trade Organization in an Age of Geopolitics and Expanding the World Trade Organization's Scope in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape, this webinar brought together academic researchers and practitioners to examine the current crisis facing the World Trade Organization (WTO) and explore how civil society can engage in shaping potential reforms.
The panellists included:
- Clara Weinhardt, Maastricht University
- Michal Parízek, Charles University
- Martin Munu, Maastricht University
- Moderator: Samuel King, CIVICUS
Initial Points
Clara Weinhardt and Michal Parizek opened the discussion by presenting findings from the ENSURED research reports, describing a multilateral trading system in profound crisis. WTO reform discussions have continued for more than fifteen years with limited progress. Michal highlighted three key challenges: the blocked dispute settlement mechanism, paralysed since 2019 after the United States prevented new appointments to the Appellate Body; the persistent inability to negotiate new rules; and rising tensions around issues such as security exceptions and industrial subsidies, particularly related to China.
Clara emphasised that recent geopolitical developments have further intensified these challenges. She pointed to Trump’s “reciprocal tariff shock,” during which the United States unilaterally imposed high tariffs on nearly all trading partners, openly undermining WTO rules. While around 70% of global trade still operates under WTO rules, that share is gradually declining. At the same time, the EU’s January reform proposals were perceived as aligning with some US positions, signalling growing tensions within the system. Meanwhile, China has positioned itself as a champion of trade multilateralism — highlighting deep divisions ahead of the March 26–29 Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé.
Martin Munu provided a perspective from East Africa on how geopolitical competition affects countries in the Global South. While rivalry between major powers can sometimes create opportunities to negotiate better terms for critical minerals, it can also reinforce unequal relationships. The growing shift toward bilateral deals threatens the market access African countries previously enjoyed through multilateral WTO rules, making multilateralism particularly important for smaller states.
Reform Challenges and Civil Society Perspectives
Despite widespread recognition of the WTO’s difficulties, the prospects for comprehensive reform remain limited due to deep disagreements among major powers and the organisation’s consensus-based decision-making structure. From the European perspective, Clara identified a dual strategy: preserving WTO functionality through incremental reforms while building coalitions for rules-based trade elsewhere.
Michal highlighted a troubling dynamic affecting civil society engagement. The lack of tangible outcomes from WTO negotiations over the past decades has discouraged participation from civil society organisations and businesses. As he noted, “If they haven't seen any results or outcomes in 25 years, why expect them now?” Without stronger pressure from external actors, governments have fewer incentives to invest political capital in negotiations.
Although the WTO has introduced mechanisms for civil society participation, including the annual Public Forum in Geneva, a Civil Society Advisory Group, and free online training, financial constraints remain a major barrier, particularly for organisations from the Global South.
Martin emphasised the importance of multi-level engagement strategies. While global forums such as WTO Ministerial Conferences remain important, regional frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area and domestic advocacy are becoming increasingly influential. Collaboration between civil society and the private sector may also strengthen advocacy efforts.
The Path Forward
Looking ahead to the WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Michal emphasised the importance of preserving a rules-based trading system, particularly for smaller and less powerful states. While expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited, Martin expressed hope that the conference could help reinvigorate multilateral dialogue and bridge differences between major powers.
The panellists concluded with calls for renewed civil society engagement. Michal stressed that global trade governance has received insufficient attention from civil society actors. Clara suggested that climate governance could offer lessons for trade reform, noting how the Paris Agreement replaced the Kyoto Protocol with built-in update mechanisms — a model the WTO might learn from.
The webinar concluded with calls to maintain pressure at multiple levels, build strategic coalitions, and continue working toward a more equitable and democratic global trading system.
Missed the webinar? Watch the recording:
About the ENSURED Webinar Series:
In Conversation with Civil Society is a year-long webinar series exploring how global governance institutions can become more effective, robust, and democratic. Each session brings together ENSURED researchers, policymakers, and civil society leaders to discuss practical reform pathways across seven key policy areas. Through a conversational format, the series connects analytical research with civil society experience, identifying political opportunities for institutional change and highlighting where advocacy can have the greatest impact across fragmented governance landscapes and persistent North–South divides.
The series is coordinated and facilitated by CIVICUS.
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