ABSTRACT
One of the hallmarks of the current phase of globalisation is the increased level of constraints on firms to act totally independently of global economic, social, and political forces. As a result, many states realise that certain issues cannot be solved independently of other states. This chapter examines the emergence of various multilateral bodies and organisations that promote multilateral cooperation and seek to use these processes to foster systemic stability. Of special importance within this analysis is the WTO, which manages global trading relationships, but is currently undergoing a backlash from states that are pushing back against freer global markets.
