Navigating the turbulent waters connecting the World Trade Organization and corporate social responsibility.(Symposium on Operationalizing Global Governance)

Introduction

A fisherman has been seen navigating two different seas for many years: the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He built two different vessels because he could not figure out a way to cross from one sea to the other. Finally, he envisioned a strait that could provide the necessary connection. For decades, the myth of monsters along the way had terrorized those who dared into the strait. He climbed aloft nevertheless.

He could see the strait and thought that, in due course, he would be able to feed on the many species said to be found in those waters--tuna, turtles, shrimp, sardines, and salmon. He began the journey looking for lights from the beacon on the other side. Some said that his quest would be endless, and his vessel would go down.

If you can immediately grasp the sense of the story above, you may find another port as your best departure point. (1) If you are still wondering what this story is all about, you are in the right place. This is an introductory article for those interested in the debate linking the WTO with CSR. If this is your first journey into this topic, this article is your compass. Welcome to the vessel. Prepare to meet sea creatures forming the relevant jurisprudence and to seek the lights of the beacon. (2)

Your journey will be divided into five short trips. The first two constitute overviews of the WTO and CSR. The third and fourth parts steer the vessel to the possible confluence of the topics and the relevant law involved. Finally, the fifth part presents reactions to recent accounts on the topic.

I. The World Trade Organization

A. Background