Example international finance dissertation topic 2:

A critical assessment of the role of the WTO in world trade. To what extent can it be argued that the organisation, in its institutional operations, is designed primarily to advance the interests of developed nations?

This dissertation seeks to evaluate the extent to which the five underlying principles noted still guide the work of the WTO. First, it examines the principle of non-discrimination. Secondly, the study reviews the issue of transparency (in both operations and internal governance). Thirdly, it considers the principle of fairness and equitability within trade negotiations and agreements. Fourthly, the dissertation explores the principle of reciprocity, and finally the extent to which preferential trade treatment is still enshrined within the workings of the WTO so as to support the infant industries of developing nations. Through an analysis of various policies and protocols adopted by the WTO over the last fifteen years this dissertation offers a range of comments and analysis as to the extent to which each of these underlying principles still shapes the workings of the WTO in this decade of the 21st century.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Bowman, G.W. (2011) ‘Of haves and have-nots: A review of developing countries and the multilateral trade regime: The failure and promise of the WTO’s development mission’, Trade, Law and Development, Vol. 3(1), pp. 242-265.
• Hanegraaf, M., Beyers, J. and Braun, C. (2011) ‘Open the door to more of the same? The development of interest group representation at the WTO’, World Trade Review, Vol. 10, pp. 447-472.