Policy Analysis
To put it simply, this is a space for our policy experts to wonk out—after all, some issues can only be tackled with technical expertise on niche subjects. IISD's team understands the importance of effective commentary and the ways in which it can lead to transformative policy change in the real world.
Highlights

Ending the WTO Dispute Settlement Crisis: Where to from here?
Simon Lester outlines how and why many disputes between WTO members are in a state of limbo and discusses what the U.S. needs to do to move forward.

The Role of Agricultural Trade in Reducing Inequality
The benefits of international trade are often distributed unequally. Ekaterina Krivonos discusses how policy can make agricultural trade more inclusive.

Principles and Best Practice in Border Carbon Adjustment: A modest proposal
As more countries commit to ambitious climate targets, IISD’s Aaron Cosbey proposes a list of best practices for developing border carbon adjustments.
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Showing 11-20 of 361 results
How to Recalibrate Trade Adjustment Assistance to Help Workers Hurt by Trade Liberalization
Andreas Oeschger discusses how the Trade Adjustment Assistance program could be improved to help those worse off from trade and create more sustainable trade liberalization.
The Road to a Treaty on (Marine) Plastic Pollution
Tallash Kantai discusses the adoption of Resolution 5/14 by the United Nations Environment Assembly and explores how to ensure a fair treaty to end plastic pollution.
World Trade Organization Talks on Agricultural Subsidies Should Consider Trade-Offs Among Trade, Food Security, and the Environment
Facundo Calvo, agricultural policy analyst for IISD, discusses the WTO’s approach to agricultural subsidies from a trade, food security, and an environmental perspective.
Can China Contribute to Climate Action in Latin America?
Sisi Tang discusses three climate action initiatives between China and Latin America: a crediting mechanism for clean energy, debt-for-climate swaps, and a greener free trade agreement.
Did COVID-19 Trigger a “New Normal” in Trade Policy?
Simon Evenett examines commercial policy interventions witnessed since January 1, 2020 and assesses whether these changes differ in years before the pandemic.
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity: A new approach to trade and economic engagement
Emily Benson and Grant Reynolds discuss the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity launched in May 2022 and present outcomes and next steps of the initiative.
Time's Running Out on Canada's Inefficient CAD 8.6 Billion of Support for Big Oil
The clock is ticking on two of the federal government’s promises to make tangible progress to stop subsidizing and funding fossil fuels by the end of 2022. But the government continues to provide huge support to the industry, and while lower than the previous year, it is still over CAD 8.6 billion.
Realizing Responsible Investment in Agriculture: What can policy-makers in Africa learn from Southeast Asia?
Large-scale land-based agricultural investments in Africa still entail many human rights and environmental risks that could be avoided or mitigated. Why is this still happening, and how can policy-makers reverse this trend?
Cutting Gas Taxes? There Are Better Ways to Address Affordability and Provide Direct Relief
Cuts have already been far outstripped by Canada's rising gas prices, and people most in need may not own a car. Lower taxes also help fuel companies.
Global Food Crisis May Take Centre Stage at MC12 Agriculture Negotiations
IISD’s Facundo Calvo discusses the implications of the global food security crisis for agricultural negotiations at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference.