The US in the world trading system - the tariffs and WTO reform with Alan Wolff

The US in the World Trading System: The Tariffs and WTO Reform

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. (Eastern)

Furman Hall 334 and via Zoom

*Note: Mr. Alan Wolff will join us live via Zoom and will be available to answer questions from the in-person and online audiences. 

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About the event

In his book, Revitalizing the World Trading System, published in 2023, Alan Wolff guided readers through the past, present and potential futures of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In this talk and subsequent conversation, he will update his prescriptions for WTO reform in light of the recent turn to unilateral tariffs, bilateral trade deals concluded under their threat, and reforms to the multilateral trading system now being proposed by both the Trump Administration and the EU.  Mr. Wolff, one the leading trade experts of our time, will also consider the implications for Asia of these unprecedented challenges (and opportunities) for the world trading system.

About the speaker

Alan Wm. Wolff is a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization. His work focuses on WTO reform and responding to the role of the United States, the European Union, and China in the international trading system. At the WTO, he oversaw key divisions, founded the Trade for Peace Initiative, and chaired the Consultative Framework Mechanism for Cotton Development Assistance. Earlier, he served in senior roles in multiple US administrations, including as deputy special representative for trade negotiations and general counsel at the Office of the US Trade Representative. He was a principal draftsman of the basic US law creating a mandate for trade negotiations. His recent publications include a book on the future of the trading system, entitled Revitalizing the World Trading System (Cambridge University Press 2023). It was selected by the Financial Times as one of best books of 2023 in economics. He holds a JD degree from Columbia University and an AB degree from Harvard College.

Professor Jose Alaverez will be the moderator.