The ASEAN Experience: Insights for Regional Political Cooperation.
This South Centre Analytical Note provides a background and discussion on the history of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional political cooperation and the insights it can provide to developing countries seeking to build greater integration in their region. (more…)
Getting UNCTAD XII right: recommendations on theme and sub-themes.
This South Centre Analytical Note makes some recommendations on the possible theme and sub-themes for UNCTAD XII. It seeks to provide a conceptual overview of what UNCTAD XII should focus on so that the results of the ministerial conference will be an UNCTAD that is stronger, better able to play a significant role in global economic governance, and more capable of (more…)
Market Power, Price Formation and Primary Commodities.
There has been widespread concern for many years over the very abstract nature of orthodox economic theory, especially that of the neo-classical school which has dominated the profession since the late 19th century. Such disquiet is frequently felt among non-economists, but a great many dissident economists have also expressed their disquiet over the years. (more…)
A Development Analysis of the proposed WIPO Treaty on the Protection of Broadcasting & Cablecasting.
Since 1998, Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have discussed the creation of a new international instrument for the protection of broadcasting organizations. It is possible that final negotiations on a treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations, including cablecasting organizations, will be initiated and conclude sometime in 2007. (more…)
Reinvigorating UNCTAD? Comments on the eminent persons’ panel report on enhancing the development role and impact of UNCTAD.
This South Centre Analytical Note responds to the Eminent Persons’ Panel Report on “Enhancing the Development Role and Impact of UNCTAD” by highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the Report that developing countries might wish to consider. (more…)
State of Play in Agricultural Negotiations: Country Grouping’ Positions – November 2006 update.
This note provides an overview of the position of various countries and group of countries active in the WTO agriculture negotiations with respect to critical issues discussed in the WTO agricultural negotiations. (more…)
The Suspension of the WTO DDA Negotiations: Scenarios and identification of pressure points for Developing Countries.
This note identifies some opportunities and challenges that the suspension of the WTO Doha negotiations has created for developing countries. In fact, an early identification of pressure points in the negotiations can contribute to the preparedness of developing country delegations for the time negotiations resume. (more…)
Increasing LDC Participation in Services through Special Priority Market Access in the WTO.
The participation of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in international trade in services is minimal. Unlike the case of goods, in services, LDCs compete on a Most Favoured Nation (MFN) basis. It is therefore impossible for a country to give a market opening only to LDCs, on terms more favourable than is available to others. (more…)
This South Centre Analytical Note provides a brief discussion of the linkage between Internet Governance and development. It suggests that agenda topics of the 2006 Internet Governance Forum should focus on development, capacity building, and increasing the level of democracy and transparency of Internet Governance. (more…)
Meeting the challenges of UN reform: a South perspective.
This South Centre Analytical Note provides a brief background of UN reform since the start of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s tenure in 1997. (more…)
Comparative assessment of developing country participation in the governance of the global economic institutions.
This paper comparatively analyses developing country participation in the governance of the IMF, World Bank, and WTO and discusses the merits and demerits of the current governance mechanisms. (more…)