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 31-40 of 375 results
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.
Why Should We Repurpose Agricultural Support to Nature-Based Infrastructure?
IISD’s Emma Cutler and Facundo Calvo make the case for redirecting problematic agricultural subsidies towards infrastructure that promotes sustainable food systems.
TRIPS Waiver Negotiations Go Down to the Wire in the Run-Up to MC12
Thiru Balasubramaniam discusses how the effectiveness of WTO rules on intellectual property rights has been questioned by some members in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade and Environment Agenda Inches Forward Ahead of MC12
Ieva Baršauskaitė takes a closer look at three trade and environment initiatives within the WTO and the progress they have made ahead of the upcoming Ministerial Conference
Quo Vadis, World Trade Organization?
Ieva Baršauskaitė and Alice Tipping discuss how the WTO needs to be reformed to address members’ priorities and forge international cooperation on important issues.
Chairman Simon Manley Seeks to Breathe New Life Into Trade and Environment Committee
IISD’s Jennifer Freedman interviews Simon Manley, new chairman of the WTO’s Trade and Environment Committee, to gain insights on his priorities for the year.
A World Trade Organization Deal on Fisheries Subsidies: Across the finish line?
Tristan Irschlinger and Alice Tipping discuss the progress made to secure a deal on fisheries subsidies and what questions remain as WTO members seek final consensus.