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 41-50 of 299 results
Can Responsible Contracts Help Improve Farmer Incomes and Productivity?
This commentary explores some of the issues raised by rice farmers from the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan; coffee farmers from Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) and Vietnam; and sugarcane and fruit growers from Cambodia during a workshop held in late October 2019.
Investment Facilitation for Sustainable Development: Getting it right for developing countries
This piece explores how investment facilitation belongs not in binding World Trade Organization rules, but in the work of organizations that focus on research, best practice and capacity building for developing countries.
Plastic Waste in Canada: A daunting economic and environmental threat or an opportunity for sustainable public procurement?
This commentary explores how sustainable public procurement can play a crucial role in advancing environmental and economic sustainable development in Canada's waste sector.
"Sustainability Looks Different Wherever You Are": Coffee production practices in a risky landscape
The coffee sector indeed appears to be in its heyday, but what do consumption and production trends tell us of its long-term sustainability?
World Bank–IMF Development Committee Stresses Institutional Accountability
Communities may be able to sue international financial institutions when their livelihoods and well-being have been harmed by development.
Comments to the Proposals for Amendment of the ICSID Arbitration Rules
This commentary focuses on select aspects of the ICSID Secretariat's March 15, 2019 draft proposals for amendment of the ICSID Arbitration Rules.
Reply to Public Consultation on Canada's International Investment Agreements (FIPAs)
The Canadian government launched a public consultation on Canada’s foreign investment promotion and protection agreements (FIPAs) on August 14, 2018. This commentary outlines IISD's reply.
City Voters Should Keep Lake Winnipeg in Mind
Unfortunately, sewage treatment infrastructure doesn’t tend to rank among the most popular of campaign topics in Canadian elections.
Carbon Dividends Could Save Carbon Pricing – and Create a New National Climate Consensus
Dividend payouts could hold the key to Canada's carbon pricing strategy getting back on track.
International Energy Charter Draft Model Investment Dispute Prevention and Management Protocol
IISD legal analysis of the draft Model Investment Dispute Prevention and Management Protocol developed by International Energy Charter Secretariat.