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 21-30 of 375 results
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: What it means and why it matters
After more than two decades of negotiations, members of the World Trade Organization concluded an Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in June 2022. What does it entail, and why does this treaty matter?
Russia’s Aggression Against Ukraine: Global trade implications after 7 months of war
Olesia Kryvetska discusses rising commodity and energy prices, the food security crisis and supply chain disruptions as the main implications since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
World Bank’s Mari Pangestu: Time to walk the walk on mainstreaming gender in decision making
Jennifer Freedman interviews Mari Pangestu, managing director of development policy of the World Bank, to discuss gender mainstreaming in policy decisions.
The Role of Technology Sanctions in Crippling Russia’s War Machine
Iryna Bogdanova examines the role of technology sanctions and their effectiveness on Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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.