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The National Security Exception at the WTO: should it just be a matter of when members can avail of it? What about how?

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  • Pinchis-Paulsen, Mona Paulsen
  • Saggi, Kamal
  • Mavroidis, Petros C.

Abstract

The GATT security exceptions were practically in hibernation until recently. The recent WTO disputes panel activity concerning such exceptions is characterized by a standard of review that places the accent on ‘when’ action should be taken and not so much on ‘what’ action should be taken. We see two problems with this construction. First, the ‘when’ might be a function of privileged information that those possessing it might be unwilling to divulge in a transparent manner. Second, national security is an amorphous concept, and unless we disaggregate it, it is impossible to pronounce the appropriateness of measures adopted to pursue the underlying objective. In turn, the absence of disaggregation could lead to false positives and negatives, as the same action could be pursuing essential security or providing protection to domestic players.

Suggested Citation

  • Pinchis-Paulsen, Mona Paulsen & Saggi, Kamal & Mavroidis, Petros C., 2024. "The National Security Exception at the WTO: should it just be a matter of when members can avail of it? What about how?," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121352, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:121352
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    national security; WTO;

    JEL classification:

    • K40 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - General

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