The Unmaking of Special Rights: Differential Treatment of Developing Countries in Times of Global Power Shifts

In light of recent significant changes to the global order, The Unmaking of Special Rights explores an often-forgotten aspect of these power shifts: special rights for developing countries. Written by a group of esteemed experts, it analyzes when and how special rights for developing countries have evolved in the context of global power shifts.

This informative book outlines how, since decolonization, several global regimes have granted ‘disadvantaged’ members exemptions, yet the rise of Brazil, India, China, and other countries has led to pressure to adjust these rights to new economic realities. Based on case studies in global trade, climate, and health governance, this groundbreaking book comparatively assesses the evolution of differential treatment across global governance, highlighting how treating all developing countries as a single group has gradually been replaced with a more nuanced approach. Chapters cover differentiated responsibilities in the climate regime, capacity, willingness and need in the health regime, and special and differential treatment in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

For academics, researchers and students specializing in international economics, law and politics, international political economy, and public policy, this book will be a vital read. Providing in-depth comparative case studies, it will also be of interest to practitioners and policymakers working in international development organizations.

Klaus Dingwerth, Professor of Political Science, School of Economics and Political Science, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland, Clara Weinhardt, Assistant Professor of International Relations, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, the Netherlands, Julian Eckl, Post-doctoral Research Fellow, School of Economics and Political Science, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland, Till Schöfer, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany and Simon Herr, University of St.Gallen, Switzerland