WASHINGTON, DC – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened everyone’s appreciation of global issues and interconnectivity. In addition to geopolitical and defense concerns, there is a renewed focus on the state of international trade. After continuing Donald Trump’s destructive trade policies for more than a year, US President Joe Biden’s administration finally appears to have recognized the importance of strong trade relations. The United States is holding consultations with the European Union to expand cooperation on trade and technology, and with others on issues such as agriculture.
A big opportunity to reverse Trump’s legacy comes in June, when trade ministers from 164 member states and 25 observer countries will meet in Geneva for the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization. The meeting cannot come soon enough. The world economy desperately needs the WTO to be restored so that it can play the valuable role that it did before the Trump presidency.
It is thanks to the WTO and its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, that the open multilateral trading system was so successful for 70 years after World War II. To its great credit, the US led the world in creating the institution and supporting its development. Member states agreed to subject their trade policies to the rule of law, which in turn allowed traders to engage in international exchange with confidence.
Jeremić and Schmidt-Traub: The continuation of the war in Ukraine will cause a world food crisis
"The war in Ukraine has deepened the existing crisis in the system of food production and
consumption, which is a consequence of the pandemic and reduced incomes, as well as climate
change. This has a dramatic impact on agricultural production around the world," said Schmidt-
Traub at the lecture. "How will the future reflect on agriculture, food and water", held as part of
CIRSD's "Future Leaders" program, whose participants include postgraduate students from all
over the world.
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Branko Milanović lectures at newly established Future Leaders Program
Professor Milanović led this insightful discussion on income inequality between and within nations, tracing the history of income inequality throughout the world from the industrial revolution to today.
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Vuk Jeremić lectures at the Academy of Young Diplomats
Reflecting on the influence of powerful global players in the Western Balkans, Jeremić pointed out that Brussels has abdicated its geopolitical role in the region, thus opening new space for other actors. He underlined that the influence of the Russian Federation and Turkey has been present for centuries, and that China is the only new variable in the equation.
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CIRSD President speaks at University Presidents meeting
The President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD), Vuk Jeremić attended one of the biggest regional meetings of University Presidents from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, devoted to the University Sector’s support to the UN Decade of Action.
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