The Role of Internal Factors in Delaying Russia's Accession to the WTO (1998)

By Martina Buchalova

The acceptance of Russia and its involvement in the world political and economic community is an important step for the stabilization and success of economic reforms and democracy in the Russian Federation. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia's integration into the global community became a priority for both the Russian government and the West. Russia became quickly a member of the most important international organizations, except the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, Russia applied for membership and its bid seemed to be fully supported by the international community. Russian official statements acclaimed membership by 1998. Did the accession process stall? And if so, why? The paper seeks to explain the failure of the Russian Federation to become a full WTO member as anticipated, by analyzing various factors that directly or indirectly have influenced the process of accession.
ISBN 1-896871-13-5