If the WTO collapses as a negotiating forum, nations may move towards a crass calculus that assesses verdicts only on the basis of the threats that back them. This would be a deeply regrettable move away from a rules-based global trading regime.

Chinese telecom-equipment maker Huawei has become a global corporate giant, yet security concerns from US officials have kept it from gaining a foothold in America, intensifying US-China tensions. In a time of great economic need, US desire for foreign direct investment from China is clashing with fears over cyber attacks from organizations suspected to be under Beijing’s influence.

The inability to reach consensus has been a central obstacle to a Doha agreement in the World Trade Organization, so it is worthwhile to consider alternative paths to advance without complete agreement from all 153 members of the WTO.

Politicians have frequently directed harsh rhetoric toward particular corporate taxpayers that earn high profits. At times, this rhetoric has been accompanied by policy proposals that single out a narrow set of profitable taxpayers for disparate treatment. Perhaps the most notable example is the war against Big Oil.

James McNerney, chairman of the National Export Council and CEO of the Boeing Corporation, will deliver a keynote address describing the joint agenda of the government and the council, as well as strategies for achieving the nation's export-doubling goal.

The Doha talks cannot conclude without attention from the highest level of political leadership. Should this not be forthcoming, we may be in for an extended period of institutional decay.

High drama will attend the WTO ministerial meeting in Seattle, from November 30 to December 2, as not only the usual trade mavens and junkies descend on the city, but also thousands of activists from environmental, consumer, labor, and other groups who vow to bring "GATTzilla" to its knees...