ABSTRACT
Civil society activity is one of the striking features of contemporary global trade politics. A host of citizen groups have undertaken studies, disseminated information, provided policy inputs and otherwise tried to shape the WTO regime. The WTO in turn has pursued various initiatives to engage with civil society associations. Relations between civil society actors and the WTO have contributed a number of benefits to global governance of trade, but they have suffered from pitfalls, too. All parties can do more to improve the quality of these exchanges.
