Critics of globalization often argue that the World Trade Organization (WTO) is in bed with multilateral corporations. But the WTO trade agreements regulate the behavior of governments, not corporations. Yet companies and their shareholders clearly benefit from access to new or larger markets. This article examines how trade and voluntary CSR have been linked by policymakers around the world, and discusses whether linking voluntary CSR initiatives (CSR) and the WTO would promote greater corporate social responsibility and trade. The author suggests such a step should be taken in a few rare circumstances. However, the author recommends that trade policymakers should examine whether some WTO rules, are, in effect, disincentives to firms to act responsibly in international markets.

Attachment	Size
AMatchMadeintheCorpandPubInterest.pdf	291.93 KB