Traditional theories suggest that developing countries lack influence in the trade regime. In this text, Jane Ford uses a social theory or constructivist approach to show that developing countries played a critical role in strengthening multilateralism in the World Trade Organization.

JANE FORD is a Director of international risk consultancy Alpha Risk International and is currently a departmental visitor in the Research School for Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University. She is the author of several publications dealing with international political economy and political risk.