Geopolitics Quarterly

Geopolitics Quarterly

The Limits of Security Exceptions in the World Trade Organisation System

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Vi Vien Yee 1
Shasswitha Nair Sivakumar 1
Nazatul Izma Razali 1
Aminurasyed Mahpop 1
Nur Atheefa Sufeena M Suaree 1
Ali Hamzah Namrood Al-Shafi’I 2
1 Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia.
2 Al- Mustaqbal University, Iraq.
10.22034/igq.2024.475687.1942
Abstract
For years, World Trade Organization (WTO) Members avoided invoking the security exception, leaving unresolved tensions between its self-judging nature and the compulsory jurisdiction of WTO panels. However, in 2017 and 2018, several panels were established after respondents justified measures as essential for national security. The rise in economic sanctions has heightened the importance of WTO security exceptions, which permit otherwise WTO-inconsistent measures like discriminatory tariffs. The broad scope of the national security exception in Article XXI of the GATT poses challenges due to potential abuse. Through a detailed analysis of the legal framework and standards of proof, this article explores the limits of this exception and proposes reforms to balance national security and free trade. It finds that while necessary, the exception's misuse of protectionism threatens global trade stability. The study calls for more explicit guidelines, transparency, and robust dispute resolution to prevent abuse
Keywords
GATT Article XXI
Trade Dispute Mechanisms
National Security Measures
Economic Protectionism
International Trade Governance

Subjects

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Geopolitics Quarterly
Volume 20, Special Issue
Autumn 2024
Pages 140-161

  • Receive Date 01 September 2024
  • Revise Date 24 October 2024
  • Accept Date 02 December 2024