User talk:Binhab

Biniyam Habtamu (1984- )is born in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on November 1984. he earned his first degree in Global studies and International Relations from New Generation University College Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Biniyam Habtamu is a proffessional journalist working in sub-saharan informer.

Biniyam Habtamu Ethiopia's Search for Economic Development Via Accession to WTO: Prospects, Challanges and Alternatives
Ethiopia's Searh for Economic Development Via Accession to WTO: Challanges and Alternatives

Research Proposal

1.	General Background 2.	Statement of the problem 3.	Hypothesis 4.	Research question 5.	Objective of the study 6.	Significance of the study 7.	Method 8.	Methodology 9.	Organization of the paper 10.	Scope of the study 11.	Limitation of the paper

1.	General Background

States for long have been adopting the economic, social and political system that seems appropriate for their own development goals; and in the contrary there have been times also when states were either swept away by the then dominant ideology or being forcefully incorporated to follow the powerful states’ ideology. In line with this situation the international political economy has passed different stages of development; starting from the ancient/classical ones up to the present era of neo-liberalism. The end of World War II and the beginning of the cold war (late 1940s – 1960s) was a turning point in the world history for the following reasons: First- the emergence of the two supper powers –USA and USSR and the consequent contending ideologies- capitalism and socialism respectively, which divided the world in to two blocks. Second- the independence of many developing countries from colonial rule and their engagement in international transactions. Finally- the coinage and popularity of terms and jargons like development by academicians and politicians being used as an instrument of attracting the newly independent states to the either side of the blocks. The concept of development specifically economic development was then one typical example of this. It was launched as a mission to call these newly independent states to follow the footsteps of either super power. The speech of Harry s. Truman, the then US president was the official inauguration of this mission. We must embark on a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas… The old imperialism- exploitation for foreign benefit has no place in our plans, what we envisage is a program for development based on the concept of democratic fair dealing (Sachs, 1993:6). These newly independent states didn’t even have the time to stop and think about their own ideology or policy of national development. They just simply became swept away by the wave of the then contending ideologies. Therefore, as the order of that day, they were forced to join either block in their search for economic development. As a result, these super powers started to pump a huge amount of aid and assistance to ‘develop’ the ‘underdeveloped’ areas. For decades, development has been a political instrument or weapon in the conflict between these two systems, for one to rank fist and destroy the other, which finally culminated in by US’s defeat of socialism as a contending system. And it opened for these poor states a new chapter for another way of search for development through capitalism which later developed to liberalism and these days known as neo-liberalism. The collapse of USSR and the end of Cold War seemed to propagate a bright future by replacing the period of exhaustion of consecutive wars to a time of economic therapy and the beginning of a new world economic order for all to a better level of economic development. However, most developing countries, to date are blowing with the wind of the day; blindly crawling without pausing for a moment and thinking independently. Today, at this era of globalization and close interdependence where it would be very difficult to think of isolating oneself, poor countries like Ethiopia are being pulled in and forcefully or with out choice being integrated by the wave. At this juncture, international issues are raised mainly within the big framework of global needs and rules. Unlike the past days where developing states deal their economic needs bilaterally, mainly with their patron states and others, today most of the economic dealings and issues concerning development, human right, environment and what have you are mainly raised within all rounded and all inclusive organizations like UN, IMF, WB, WTO and others (Alemayehu, etal, 2004:21). The above three international institutions IMF, WB and WTO were envisioned in the Bretton Woods conference held in 1944 by US and UK. The establishment of the two monetary institutions, IMF and WB went smoothly. However the establishment of the International Trade Organization (ITO) intended to manage international trade related issues was not an easy one to agree on. But after a long discussions and negotiations the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was signed in 1947 which later gave birth to World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 (Fikremarkos, 2005: 1).

2.	Statement of the Problem

Today, as it seems almost all political, economic, social and ideological inclinations of the world are being geared or converged towards the Western especially US’s version of neo-liberalism there is this increase of trends of convergence of interests economically, politically and organizationally through IMF, WB, WTO and other major international organizations. Thus becoming a member of institutions like IMF, WB and WTO which are designed to undercover tasks of this convergence or what is called globalization has been an agenda of recent decades (Alemayehu, etal, 2004:21). Though these institutions are of both importance and costs, developing states are rushing to join them as part of their development strategy. Thirty-one new countries from war-torn Afghanistan to Yemen are queued for membership in the WTO alone with a mission to achieve economic prosperity via international trade (http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-7059-201-1-Do-TOPIC.html). WTO is an organization which uses a complex process and procedures of policy reforms, ‘institutional strengthening diagnosis’ and other changes in domestic policies as a pre-condition to join the institution (www.moti.gov.et/departments/trade_sector/wto/doha.html). It is being appreciated by some for making the world a better place for the stabilization of competitive market system (ibid). And, in the contrary it is also receiving too many criticisms from all over the world for its unfair trade negotiations against developing countries (Sutcliffe, 2001:73). Surprisingly enough though, the developing and least developed countries now represent an over whelming majority of members of the WTO. But in the converse they are the majorities who are disfavored. WTO was set by the leading states of the world to uphold the idea of liberal economy and “free trade” or what I call, ‘The open the door quest’ mainly characterized by passionate dedication to free market policies and principles. This strategy at least in principle minimizes the scope of government regulations in both national and international trade while encouraging private ownership of resources, enterprises and even ideas. However, the irony still now is, though the master minds and also, some advocators of “free trade” are preaching it in its full-fledged sense, the fact is that the number one backers of “free trade” are still protecting some of their sectors by subsidizing their market and other acts. A prominent instance of the same, which the US is repeatedly being accused of, is the aeronautics subsidy given to civil aviation through which military programs support the US aeronautic industry. Agricultural subsidies by countries like United States, the EU and Japan is also another issue that has created conflict within developed countries themselves (Chang, 2004: 11). Be that as it may, Ethiopia- one of the least developed countries, at present is undergoing its accession project to join WTO along with its stark realities of, accommodating a population over 70 million, scoring rate of 2.5 percent per year, and having  life expectancy of 42 years and  literacy rate of 59% (Fikremarkos, 2005:20). Ethiopia is one of the land locked countries with lethargic economic growth and low level of fragile industrialization. Its economy is heavily dependant on export of primary agricultural products which provides livelihood for about 85% of its people. In the contrary the agriculture is with low level of productivity which puts its food security and malnutrition at stake. Ethiopia is also known for its frequent draughts and famines. The economic and social realities are even at lower standards as compared to the sub-Saharan countries. The GNP per capita remains less than 100US$ and 44% of the population is estimated to live under poverty line (ibid: 21). So, it is with all these problems and stunning realities that the membership in the WTO was planned with the intention to share prospective and ambitious benefits from international transactions. In line with the above talk, Ethiopia’s incumbent government, declared itself to be following the liberal path to development few years earlier. And among its strategies of national development, trade, a leading mover and an engine of the world economy is major; which is assumed to generate a great deal of revenue (FDRE Policy Handbook, 2005: 174). However, the point what most developing and least developed countries miss or knowingly ignore is, today’s developed countries became advocators of Free trade after building and assuring the strength of their economy in close doors. Therefore daring to freely trade with highly grown industries of these states with the current status is like committing suicide. When one enters in to such kind of dealings it should not forget its meager capability to compete and negotiate. Moreover, one should take in to consideration things it may cost from membership of such organizations, like that of loosing regulatory domestic policies financial and other important sectors which are the major income generating areas of most developing countries. Further, provided that Ethiopia based its trade relation mainly in export earning from primary products which in return is unable to balance its import expenditure is suffering from negative balance of payment and negative trade balance. Thus, Ethiopia’s attempt to join WTO with its current status is like the attempt of a soldier entering in to a war front with out bullets in its gun. Hence, accession to WTO is not as simple as ratifying an international treaty which the country used to get engaged in earlier. It has significant political, economic and social challenges. The accession process for example has not duly included the ideas and opinions of academicians’, politicians’, Civil Society organizations and other stake holders which directly or indirectly are affected by this accession project.

3. Hypothesis Due to domestic problems like, infant industrialization, relying on primary products... and external problems like worsening terms of trade and weak decision making in the WTO framework, which are common problems of developing countries, Ethiopia may not get the ambitious economic benefits from the WTO membership.

4. Research Question This research paper is intended to provide answers to the following questions in its progress; 1.	Why WTO, what is the need for joining it? 2.	Is Ethiopia strong and capable enough to join WTO? 3.	Does Ethiopia have the power and the skill to win the negotiation to safeguard its benefits? 4.	What are the possible costs, threats and challenges that Ethiopia may face from the membership? 5.	What are the benefits and prospects of the membership? 6.	Are there any alternatives with in the frame work of WTO to make the membership worthy? And finally, 7.	What kind of other alternatives does Ethiopia have aside from joining WTO?

5. Objective of the study This paper is intended to make an overall assessment of Ethiopia’s accession to WTO. General Objective The general objective of this research paper is to show the relationship between economic development and WTO. It tries to elaborate whether or not economic development could be achievable through international organizations like WTO. Specific Objective Specifically this research work is intended to; 1.	make general analysis on the world trading system, 2.	To analyze the nexus between the principle and the reality of international trade institutions and in general the international trade regime. 3.	To brief common trade problems of developing countries 4.	To show the challenges of WTO membership to Ethiopia 5.	To highlight some prospects and probable benefits from the membership, and lastly, 6.	It tries to show few other alternatives other than WTO membership, if there are any.

6. Significance of the study The significance of this paper first of all is to show policy makers the pros and cons of the accession process in the country’s future economic development. This research paper will be contributing to take pre-calculated moves towards avoiding distractive costs from the membership. Aside from that, the contribution of this research paper can feel the gap of limited research materials over this area. And not insignificantly it is believed to be an additional reference document for involved stake holders like trade unions, civil society organizations and academicians. I also believe that it would be an important research paper to initiate public discussion and awareness on the impact of Ethiopia’s WTO accession especially whether or not it directly or indirectly affects their livelihoods. Finally, this research paper can be used as a stepping-board for further studies by interested researchers to conduct further enquiry over the area.

7.	Method In conducting this research paper the researcher will employ both primary and secondary data. 1.	Primary Sources Since this topic is very sensitive and can not be simply done using secondary sources alone, I will conduct interviews with policy makers and the accession project heads and other authorities in the area. 2.	Secondary Source Aside from the primary sources I will also use books, papers, other relevant written materials and internet sources to deploy my research paper.

8.	Methodology In conducting this research paper the researcher will use both qualitative and quantitative data. And I will also employ both descriptive and analytical explanations. Descriptive: in some areas of this paper I will just use descriptive ways of explanation just to tell my readers simply what has happened and what is happening. Analytical: I will also explain some facts and figures by simply analyzing based on theories and practice. 9.	Organization of the study This research paper is systematically organized in four chapters. Chapter one: will be the introductory part of the paper. Chapter two: will be dealing on conceptual and theoretical frameworks of the paper. Here I will give emphasis in defining basic terms and concepts. In addition to the conceptual framework, the researcher will employ a further theoretical evaluation of the thesis discussing some major international political economic theories. Chapter three: in this chapter the researcher tries to introduce the reader general background on world trading system, the institutions of international trade, the implication of international trade to developing countries and how the world trade system operates. Chapter four: this chapter is the nucleus of my paper where I discuss Ethiopia’s WTO accession project. I will analyze first Ethiopia’s place in international trade, then I’ll brief the status of the accession project next to that I will discuss challenges and prospects of the membership. Finally, after showing some alternatives other than WTO membership I will wind up my paper by providing conclusion.

10.	 Scope of the study My area of focus will be limited to a time of Ethiopia’s accession to WTO that means post 2003. However I’ll try to brief the post 1991 economic policy concerning trade as a background to strengthen my research. This research is not intended to analyze all strategies of economic development in detail; the paper mainly concentrates on international trade; and not all issues of international trade I will specifically focus in international trade through international trade organizations, mainly WTO. By and large, the paper ranges with issues concerning to WTO realities, principles, strength, weakness and critiques vis-à-vis Ethiopia’s accession to it.

Bibliography:

Sources from book

Alemayehu, Seyoum, etal (eds.) 2004 	“Global interests and their implication to Ethiopia’s economic development.” Proceedings of the first international conference on the Ethiopian Economy. Ethiopian Economic association (EEA) Volume I.

Buckley, Rossp(ed) 2003 	The WTO and the Doha round: the changing face of the world trade. Netherlands: Hague, kluwer law International, CN.

Chang, HA-Joon. & Grabel, Ilene 2004 	Reclaiming Development: An Alternative Economic Policy. UK: London, Zed Books.

FDRE Policy Handbook 2005	Ministry of Foreign Affairs Volume I. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Berhanena Selam Printing Enterprise.

Fikremarkos, Merso 2005 	 Ethiopia’s WTO accession: a strenuous step for a poor nation seeking  Economic   prosperity. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Action Aid Ethiopia Publications. Gilpin, Robert. 1987	The Political Economy of International Relations. UK: Princeton University Press.

Goddard C. Roe, Patrick Cronin & Kishore C. Dash 2005 	International Political Economy: State Market Relations in a Changing Global Order (2nd Ed.). India: New Delhi, Viva Books PL. Hajela, TN. 1998	Money, Banking and International Trade (7th ed). India: Delhi, Konark Publishers   Pvt Ltd. Mclean, Iain(ed.) 1996            	Oxford Concise Dictionary of Politics. Great Britain: London, Oxford University Press.

Nanda, T.R   2006		Dictionary of Political Science. India: New Delhi, ANMOLI PUBLICATIONS PVT.LTD. Sachs, Wolfgang (ed.) 1993 	The Development Dictionary: A guide to knowledge as power. USA: NY,      Witwatersrand University Press.

Steans, Jill and Pettiford, Lloyd 2005	 Introduction to International Relations: Perspectives and Themes. England: London, PEARSON Prentice Hall.

Strange, Susan 1989 	States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy. Great Britain: London, Pinter Publishers.

Sutcliffe, Bob 2001	100 ways of seeing unequal world. USA: NY, Zed Books Ltd.

Todaro, Michael P.        2000		Economic Development(7th ed.) USA, NY, ADDISON-WESLEY publishers.

Sources from papers:

Doha project for WTO accession and participation. September 20, 1998 	“Economic reforms for 1998/99-2000/01” the policy frame work paper. USAID. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa. Ferraro, Vincent. July 1996              Dependency Theory: An Introduction. USA: Massachusetts, South Hadley, Mount Holyoke College.

Worsley, Peter September 1979 	“One World or three? A critique of the World-System theory of Immanuel Wallerstein”. German: Berlin, Institut fiir Vergleichende Sozialforschung.

Electronic Sources

Aho, Charles Michael. "Foreign Trade." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.

"General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006

http://www.economics4development.com/index.htm http://www.government.cce.cornell.edu/doc/html/MethodologyGuide_TermsUsed.htm http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-7059-201-1-Do-TOPIC.html http://www.oregonstate.edu/instruct/anth370/gloss.html http://www.thefreedictionary.com/international+political+economy Hunter, Wendy. "Dependency Theory." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.

Microsoft Encarta Premium 2007 Vogel, David. "Free Trade." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.

Biniyam Habtamu Ethiopia's Search for Economic Development Via Accession to WTO: Prospects, Challanges and Alternatives
Ethiopia's Searh for Economic Development Via Accession to WTO: Challanges and Alternatives

Research Proposal

1.	General Background 2.	Statement of the problem 3.	Hypothesis 4.	Research question 5.	Objective of the study 6.	Significance of the study 7.	Method 8.	Methodology 9.	Organization of the paper 10.	Scope of the study 11.	Limitation of the paper

1.	General Background

States for long have been adopting the economic, social and political system that seems appropriate for their own development goals; and in the contrary there have been times also when states were either swept away by the then dominant ideology or being forcefully incorporated to follow the powerful states’ ideology. In line with this situation the international political economy has passed different stages of development; starting from the ancient/classical ones up to the present era of neo-liberalism. The end of World War II and the beginning of the cold war (late 1940s – 1960s) was a turning point in the world history for the following reasons: First- the emergence of the two supper powers –USA and USSR and the consequent contending ideologies- capitalism and socialism respectively, which divided the world in to two blocks. Second- the independence of many developing countries from colonial rule and their engagement in international transactions. Finally- the coinage and popularity of terms and jargons like development by academicians and politicians being used as an instrument of attracting the newly independent states to the either side of the blocks. The concept of development specifically economic development was then one typical example of this. It was launched as a mission to call these newly independent states to follow the footsteps of either super power. The speech of Harry s. Truman, the then US president was the official inauguration of this mission. We must embark on a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas… The old imperialism- exploitation for foreign benefit has no place in our plans, what we envisage is a program for development based on the concept of democratic fair dealing (Sachs, 1993:6). These newly independent states didn’t even have the time to stop and think about their own ideology or policy of national development. They just simply became swept away by the wave of the then contending ideologies. Therefore, as the order of that day, they were forced to join either block in their search for economic development. As a result, these super powers started to pump a huge amount of aid and assistance to ‘develop’ the ‘underdeveloped’ areas. For decades, development has been a political instrument or weapon in the conflict between these two systems, for one to rank fist and destroy the other, which finally culminated in by US’s defeat of socialism as a contending system. And it opened for these poor states a new chapter for another way of search for development through capitalism which later developed to liberalism and these days known as neo-liberalism. The collapse of USSR and the end of Cold War seemed to propagate a bright future by replacing the period of exhaustion of consecutive wars to a time of economic therapy and the beginning of a new world economic order for all to a better level of economic development. However, most developing countries, to date are blowing with the wind of the day; blindly crawling without pausing for a moment and thinking independently. Today, at this era of globalization and close interdependence where it would be very difficult to think of isolating oneself, poor countries like Ethiopia are being pulled in and forcefully or with out choice being integrated by the wave. At this juncture, international issues are raised mainly within the big framework of global needs and rules. Unlike the past days where developing states deal their economic needs bilaterally, mainly with their patron states and others, today most of the economic dealings and issues concerning development, human right, environment and what have you are mainly raised within all rounded and all inclusive organizations like UN, IMF, WB, WTO and others (Alemayehu, etal, 2004:21). The above three international institutions IMF, WB and WTO were envisioned in the Bretton Woods conference held in 1944 by US and UK. The establishment of the two monetary institutions, IMF and WB went smoothly. However the establishment of the International Trade Organization (ITO) intended to manage international trade related issues was not an easy one to agree on. But after a long discussions and negotiations the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was signed in 1947 which later gave birth to World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 (Fikremarkos, 2005: 1).

2.	Statement of the Problem

Today, as it seems almost all political, economic, social and ideological inclinations of the world are being geared or converged towards the Western especially US’s version of neo-liberalism there is this increase of trends of convergence of interests economically, politically and organizationally through IMF, WB, WTO and other major international organizations. Thus becoming a member of institutions like IMF, WB and WTO which are designed to undercover tasks of this convergence or what is called globalization has been an agenda of recent decades (Alemayehu, etal, 2004:21). Though these institutions are of both importance and costs, developing states are rushing to join them as part of their development strategy. Thirty-one new countries from war-torn Afghanistan to Yemen are queued for membership in the WTO alone with a mission to achieve economic prosperity via international trade (http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-7059-201-1-Do-TOPIC.html). WTO is an organization which uses a complex process and procedures of policy reforms, ‘institutional strengthening diagnosis’ and other changes in domestic policies as a pre-condition to join the institution (www.moti.gov.et/departments/trade_sector/wto/doha.html). It is being appreciated by some for making the world a better place for the stabilization of competitive market system (ibid). And, in the contrary it is also receiving too many criticisms from all over the world for its unfair trade negotiations against developing countries (Sutcliffe, 2001:73). Surprisingly enough though, the developing and least developed countries now represent an over whelming majority of members of the WTO. But in the converse they are the majorities who are disfavored. WTO was set by the leading states of the world to uphold the idea of liberal economy and “free trade” or what I call, ‘The open the door quest’ mainly characterized by passionate dedication to free market policies and principles. This strategy at least in principle minimizes the scope of government regulations in both national and international trade while encouraging private ownership of resources, enterprises and even ideas. However, the irony still now is, though the master minds and also, some advocators of “free trade” are preaching it in its full-fledged sense, the fact is that the number one backers of “free trade” are still protecting some of their sectors by subsidizing their market and other acts. A prominent instance of the same, which the US is repeatedly being accused of, is the aeronautics subsidy given to civil aviation through which military programs support the US aeronautic industry. Agricultural subsidies by countries like United States, the EU and Japan is also another issue that has created conflict within developed countries themselves (Chang, 2004: 11). Be that as it may, Ethiopia- one of the least developed countries, at present is undergoing its accession project to join WTO along with its stark realities of, accommodating a population over 70 million, scoring rate of 2.5 percent per year, and having  life expectancy of 42 years and  literacy rate of 59% (Fikremarkos, 2005:20). Ethiopia is one of the land locked countries with lethargic economic growth and low level of fragile industrialization. Its economy is heavily dependant on export of primary agricultural products which provides livelihood for about 85% of its people. In the contrary the agriculture is with low level of productivity which puts its food security and malnutrition at stake. Ethiopia is also known for its frequent draughts and famines. The economic and social realities are even at lower standards as compared to the sub-Saharan countries. The GNP per capita remains less than 100US$ and 44% of the population is estimated to live under poverty line (ibid: 21). So, it is with all these problems and stunning realities that the membership in the WTO was planned with the intention to share prospective and ambitious benefits from international transactions. In line with the above talk, Ethiopia’s incumbent government, declared itself to be following the liberal path to development few years earlier. And among its strategies of national development, trade, a leading mover and an engine of the world economy is major; which is assumed to generate a great deal of revenue (FDRE Policy Handbook, 2005: 174). However, the point what most developing and least developed countries miss or knowingly ignore is, today’s developed countries became advocators of Free trade after building and assuring the strength of their economy in close doors. Therefore daring to freely trade with highly grown industries of these states with the current status is like committing suicide. When one enters in to such kind of dealings it should not forget its meager capability to compete and negotiate. Moreover, one should take in to consideration things it may cost from membership of such organizations, like that of loosing regulatory domestic policies financial and other important sectors which are the major income generating areas of most developing countries. Further, provided that Ethiopia based its trade relation mainly in export earning from primary products which in return is unable to balance its import expenditure is suffering from negative balance of payment and negative trade balance. Thus, Ethiopia’s attempt to join WTO with its current status is like the attempt of a soldier entering in to a war front with out bullets in its gun. Hence, accession to WTO is not as simple as ratifying an international treaty which the country used to get engaged in earlier. It has significant political, economic and social challenges. The accession process for example has not duly included the ideas and opinions of academicians’, politicians’, Civil Society organizations and other stake holders which directly or indirectly are affected by this accession project.

3. Hypothesis Due to domestic problems like, infant industrialization, relying on primary products... and external problems like worsening terms of trade and weak decision making in the WTO framework, which are common problems of developing countries, Ethiopia may not get the ambitious economic benefits from the WTO membership.

4. Research Question This research paper is intended to provide answers to the following questions in its progress; 1.	Why WTO, what is the need for joining it? 2.	Is Ethiopia strong and capable enough to join WTO? 3.	Does Ethiopia have the power and the skill to win the negotiation to safeguard its benefits? 4.	What are the possible costs, threats and challenges that Ethiopia may face from the membership? 5.	What are the benefits and prospects of the membership? 6.	Are there any alternatives with in the frame work of WTO to make the membership worthy? And finally, 7.	What kind of other alternatives does Ethiopia have aside from joining WTO?

5. Objective of the study This paper is intended to make an overall assessment of Ethiopia’s accession to WTO. General Objective The general objective of this research paper is to show the relationship between economic development and WTO. It tries to elaborate whether or not economic development could be achievable through international organizations like WTO. Specific Objective Specifically this research work is intended to; 1.	make general analysis on the world trading system, 2.	To analyze the nexus between the principle and the reality of international trade institutions and in general the international trade regime. 3.	To brief common trade problems of developing countries 4.	To show the challenges of WTO membership to Ethiopia 5.	To highlight some prospects and probable benefits from the membership, and lastly, 6.	It tries to show few other alternatives other than WTO membership, if there are any.

6. Significance of the study The significance of this paper first of all is to show policy makers the pros and cons of the accession process in the country’s future economic development. This research paper will be contributing to take pre-calculated moves towards avoiding distractive costs from the membership. Aside from that, the contribution of this research paper can feel the gap of limited research materials over this area. And not insignificantly it is believed to be an additional reference document for involved stake holders like trade unions, civil society organizations and academicians. I also believe that it would be an important research paper to initiate public discussion and awareness on the impact of Ethiopia’s WTO accession especially whether or not it directly or indirectly affects their livelihoods. Finally, this research paper can be used as a stepping-board for further studies by interested researchers to conduct further enquiry over the area.

7.	Method In conducting this research paper the researcher will employ both primary and secondary data. 1.	Primary Sources Since this topic is very sensitive and can not be simply done using secondary sources alone, I will conduct interviews with policy makers and the accession project heads and other authorities in the area. 2.	Secondary Source Aside from the primary sources I will also use books, papers, other relevant written materials and internet sources to deploy my research paper.

8.	Methodology In conducting this research paper the researcher will use both qualitative and quantitative data. And I will also employ both descriptive and analytical explanations. Descriptive: in some areas of this paper I will just use descriptive ways of explanation just to tell my readers simply what has happened and what is happening. Analytical: I will also explain some facts and figures by simply analyzing based on theories and practice. 9.	Organization of the study This research paper is systematically organized in four chapters. Chapter one: will be the introductory part of the paper. Chapter two: will be dealing on conceptual and theoretical frameworks of the paper. Here I will give emphasis in defining basic terms and concepts. In addition to the conceptual framework, the researcher will employ a further theoretical evaluation of the thesis discussing some major international political economic theories. Chapter three: in this chapter the researcher tries to introduce the reader general background on world trading system, the institutions of international trade, the implication of international trade to developing countries and how the world trade system operates. Chapter four: this chapter is the nucleus of my paper where I discuss Ethiopia’s WTO accession project. I will analyze first Ethiopia’s place in international trade, then I’ll brief the status of the accession project next to that I will discuss challenges and prospects of the membership. Finally, after showing some alternatives other than WTO membership I will wind up my paper by providing conclusion.

10.	 Scope of the study My area of focus will be limited to a time of Ethiopia’s accession to WTO that means post 2003. However I’ll try to brief the post 1991 economic policy concerning trade as a background to strengthen my research. This research is not intended to analyze all strategies of economic development in detail; the paper mainly concentrates on international trade; and not all issues of international trade I will specifically focus in international trade through international trade organizations, mainly WTO. By and large, the paper ranges with issues concerning to WTO realities, principles, strength, weakness and critiques vis-à-vis Ethiopia’s accession to it.

Bibliography:

Sources from book

Alemayehu, Seyoum, etal (eds.) 2004 	“Global interests and their implication to Ethiopia’s economic development.” Proceedings of the first international conference on the Ethiopian Economy. Ethiopian Economic association (EEA) Volume I.

Buckley, Rossp(ed) 2003 	The WTO and the Doha round: the changing face of the world trade. Netherlands: Hague, kluwer law International, CN.

Chang, HA-Joon. & Grabel, Ilene 2004 	Reclaiming Development: An Alternative Economic Policy. UK: London, Zed Books.

FDRE Policy Handbook 2005	Ministry of Foreign Affairs Volume I. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Berhanena Selam Printing Enterprise.

Fikremarkos, Merso 2005 	 Ethiopia’s WTO accession: a strenuous step for a poor nation seeking  Economic   prosperity. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Action Aid Ethiopia Publications. Gilpin, Robert. 1987	The Political Economy of International Relations. UK: Princeton University Press.

Goddard C. Roe, Patrick Cronin & Kishore C. Dash 2005 	International Political Economy: State Market Relations in a Changing Global Order (2nd Ed.). India: New Delhi, Viva Books PL. Hajela, TN. 1998	Money, Banking and International Trade (7th ed). India: Delhi, Konark Publishers   Pvt Ltd. Mclean, Iain(ed.) 1996            	Oxford Concise Dictionary of Politics. Great Britain: London, Oxford University Press.

Nanda, T.R   2006		Dictionary of Political Science. India: New Delhi, ANMOLI PUBLICATIONS PVT.LTD. Sachs, Wolfgang (ed.) 1993 	The Development Dictionary: A guide to knowledge as power. USA: NY,      Witwatersrand University Press.

Steans, Jill and Pettiford, Lloyd 2005	 Introduction to International Relations: Perspectives and Themes. England: London, PEARSON Prentice Hall.

Strange, Susan 1989 	States and Markets: An Introduction to International Political Economy. Great Britain: London, Pinter Publishers.

Sutcliffe, Bob 2001	100 ways of seeing unequal world. USA: NY, Zed Books Ltd.

Todaro, Michael P.        2000		Economic Development(7th ed.) USA, NY, ADDISON-WESLEY publishers.

Sources from papers:

Doha project for WTO accession and participation. September 20, 1998 	“Economic reforms for 1998/99-2000/01” the policy frame work paper. USAID. Ethiopia: Addis Ababa. Ferraro, Vincent. July 1996              Dependency Theory: An Introduction. USA: Massachusetts, South Hadley, Mount Holyoke College.

Worsley, Peter September 1979 	“One World or three? A critique of the World-System theory of Immanuel Wallerstein”. German: Berlin, Institut fiir Vergleichende Sozialforschung.

Electronic Sources

Aho, Charles Michael. "Foreign Trade." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.

"General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006

http://www.economics4development.com/index.htm http://www.government.cce.cornell.edu/doc/html/MethodologyGuide_TermsUsed.htm http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-7059-201-1-Do-TOPIC.html http://www.oregonstate.edu/instruct/anth370/gloss.html http://www.thefreedictionary.com/international+political+economy Hunter, Wendy. "Dependency Theory." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.

Microsoft Encarta Premium 2007 Vogel, David. "Free Trade." Microsoft® Encarta® 2007 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.