The Solution to the Russian Dilemma of WTO Membership in the Context of Agricultural Trade

Abstract

The subject of this study is the legal and organizational issues of Russia's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The analysis is conducted in the context of trade in agricultural products. The purpose of this article is to create an argumentative point supporting the view that Russia should continue being a member of the WTO. The methodology of the research is represented by general scientific methods, special scientific methods and methods of argumentation. The analysis considers the legal possibility of termination of membership in the WTO, the main misconceptions of supporters for withdrawal, the alleged consequences of withdrawal, as well as recommendations for further participation in the Organization. The issues examined in this study are of current interest in view of the increasing pressure of the supporters for withdrawal from the WTO in the context of the global economic and geopolitical challenges Russia is facing. Scientific novelty of the article is in the complex argumentation of the overall positive effect of Russia's participation in the WTO for international trade in agricultural products. The conclusions of the study underline the impossibility of Russia’s suspension or expulsion from the Organization, as well as the need for Russia to continue its membership and to build trade relations with foreign partners under the WTO rules.