Policy Analysis

To put it simply, this is a space for our policy experts to wonk out—after all, some issues can only be tackled with technical expertise on niche subjects. IISD's team understands the importance of effective commentary and the ways in which it can lead to transformative policy change in the real world. 

Highlights

Rising Investor-State Tax Arbitration Cases Threaten Fiscal Sovereignty: Here’s what the UN Tax Convention can do

Tax disputes are increasingly being brought before investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) tribunals, undermining fiscal sovereignty and exposing governments to significant financial liabilities. The UN Framework Convention on Tax, currently under negotiation, offers a chance to stop this.

Policy Analysis

March 23, 2026

Five Reasons Climate Change Adaptation Is a Challenge for Rural Canada

Canada needs to build resilience to the impacts of climate change through planned adaptation, but barriers remain, especially for rural communities.

Policy Analysis

March 10, 2026

Old Rules, New Realities: How industrial policy is shaking up global trade

Modern industrial policies are rubbing up against WTO rules. Satish Triplicane and Ieva Baršauskaitė examine the issues at play in discussions of the balance between trade rules, development and climate objectives.

Policy Analysis

February 25, 2026

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International Conversations on Trade and Climate: From the WTO to the UNFCCC

Ieva Baršauskaitė and Antoine Bonnet examine recent WTO and COP 30 discussions, including work in the Committee on Trade and Environment and the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions, showing how MC14 can consolidate these debates and guide the next steps for multilateral cooperation.
Policy Analysis February 24, 2026

The WTO Investment Facilitation Agreement in the Run-Up to MC14

The potential incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO framework is a key issue at MC14. Rashmi Jose explores its investment facilitation commitments, capacity-building provisions for developing countries, and the debates over its legal and plurilateral status.
Policy Analysis February 18, 2026

E-Commerce at the WTO: Can members find common ground at MC14?

E-commerce is central to global trade, but WTO members remain divided on digital trade rules. Rashid S. Kaukab explores debates over the moratorium on customs duties, the WPEC, and the potential incorporation of the JSI Agreement at MC14, with implications for developing countries.
Policy Analysis February 18, 2026