Manoeuvring at the Margins: Constraints Faced by Small States in International Trade Negotiations

Of enduring concern for small states are the numerous constraints they face in international trade negotiations. This study provides evidence that small states can still have an important influence over the outcomes of negotiations if they successfully identify and tackle these underlying constraints.

Building on existing scholarship, Manoeuvring at the Margins is the first attempt to thoroughly analyze the views of representatives from small states on the constraints they face in this area. The authors, led by Dr. Ngaire Woods and Dr. Carolyn Deere Birkbeck of the University of Oxford, highlight three areas where small states can maximize their potential influence: establishing an effective negotiating team by strengthening human resources; harnessing the support of civil society and the private sector; and improving negotiation strategies. The recommendations they provide will be useful in assisting trade policy-makers in small states to achieve greater success in WTO and other trade arenas.