Globalization and the myth of free trade A N WA R SHAIKH

The answer which currently dominates both theory and policy is that given by Mike Moore, the former Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO): “the surest way to do more to help the poor is to continue to open markets” (Agosin and Tussie 1993: 9). Thus, the powerful countries are pressing the developing world to adopt wholesale trade liberalization, on the grounds that the best way to raise global living standards is to maximize trade (Rodrik 2001: 5, 10).