ABSTRACT
Increasing geopolitical tensions, resulting from territorial disputes, political disagreements, and economic competition, have led management researchers to investigate corporate governance and business responsibility in the realm of international commerce. The notion that business activities can contribute to peace, alongside the crucial role of trade in promoting peaceful relations and democratic values, warrants significant attention. Traditionally, Western macro-level analyses have referenced Kant’s theories concerning the relationship between peace and trade (see Box 3); however, this chapter emphasises a micro-level analysis of how trade mechanisms may actively encourage “harmony” and further peace objectives within the global community. Institutions such as the WTO are integral to understanding business responsibility in fragile and conflict-affected regions, especially as these countries increasingly participate in WTO decision-making. It is asserted that the WTO not only influences global economic trends but also serves to limit actions that could provoke internal conflicts or civil wars. Identifying fragile and conflict-affected states as unique environments has resulted in diverse international and domestic strategies to promote development and security. Trade’s economic impact on armed conflict is substantial, with the capacity to either support or hinder peace, thereby affecting social cohesion, human rights, and global governance frameworks. Therefore, attaining lasting peace through trade and the WTO requires ongoing dedication and effort. This chapter examines the participation of fragile Member States in GATT decision-making and evaluates how WTO provisions align with the eight pillars of the culture of peace, outlining four primary strategies for advancing peacebuilding efforts within the multilateral trading system.
