The WTO ruled against a European ban on importing beef treated with certain hormones. Often the dispute comes down to whether a law is legitimate and based on science, or whether intentionally or not it merely gives a trade advantage to one country over another. Under the rules, Americans can impose any laws they want on Americans but not, say, on Mexicans in Mexico, Vogel said. At the same time, Spaulding and others, including supporters such as Vogel and Sumner, believe WTO has a big problem stemming from its secretive, undemocratic nature. When the WTO hears a claim, proceedings are private.
Participants often remain anonymous.
There's no formal opportunity for input from the public or institutions such as environmental or labor groups. Rulings can be appealed, but the government that loses must either change its laws or pay penalties to keep them in place. All of this has led to the heated rhetoric, calls for reforms, and opportunities for employing creative symbolism that touches core democratic principles. After trying for several years to capture the public's attention, trade agreement critics may be finally breaking through. And in a new report, while the WTO defends itself, for the first time it acknowledges its policies can have a negative affect on the environment.