Rejecting the WTO: A Call to Reassert Patriotism and Sovereignty

In a thought-provoking commentary, the author discusses the United States’ entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) and argues for a rejection of the organization in order to reassert patriotism and sovereignty. The article begins by highlighting a Washington Post op-ed from 1994 that called opponents of the WTO “protectionists,” despite their support for free-market ideals. The author points out that former President Reagan, often revered by Republicans, also embraced fairness in trade and implemented measures to address unfair trade advantages utilized by foreign partners.

The article then raises the issue of China’s entry into the WTO, with special concessions granted due to its status as a “developing nation.” The author quotes Newt Gingrich, who now admits that allowing China into the WTO was a mistake, as they chose to corrupt the organization rather than be changed by it. The article presents data showing China’s substantial advantage in goods trade with the United States since joining the WTO.

The author argues that when the United States joined the WTO, it ceded its leverage and negotiating power as the largest per-capita consumer market in the world. This, according to the author, was a shameful surrender of sovereignty. They emphasize that Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, making them the sole arbiters of trade policy. By joining the WTO, the United States effectively gave up this authority.

The article proposes a better trade policy that would restore American sovereignty by returning trade policy authority to Congress. The author suggests drafting a model U.S. trade treaty as a baseline for negotiating bilateral trade treaties, rendering the WTO obsolete. With this approach, the United States could set the global standard for international trade arrangements and fine-tune agreements with trading partners from a position of strength. Congress would have the power to sanction partners who violate treaty terms without seeking permission from foreign bureaucrats. The article also suggests rejecting WTO rules on subsidizing strategically important industries and deciding independently on granting special trade concessions.

In summary, the article calls for a rejection of the WTO in order to reassert patriotism and sovereignty. It highlights the flaws of the organization and proposes a better, constitutional trade policy that would give Congress and the U.S. Trade Representative more control over trade negotiations. The author argues that now is the time to step back from the WTO and reclaim American authority in trade policy.