Investigate Russia's intentions of joining the WTO

Overview: The European Union has agreed to recognize Russia as a market economy, a key step towards that nation's goal of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). Have students conduct further research on the history and benefits of membership in the WTO. Have students determine whether or not Russia should be admitted to the WTO.

Curriculum Connections: Current Events, International Relations

Have students read the CNN Student News story, "Russia wins boost to WTO bid," and answer the following questions:

1. From which members of the international community is Russia seeking support to join the WTO? What is the significance of Russia's seeking support from the United States and the European Union (EU)? Who is supportive of Russia joining the WTO? When was this support expressed? Who is not in favor of Russia's admission into the WTO? After what recent historic event was this support withheld? What is the current economic relationship between the EU and Russia, and how might that have influenced the EU's support for Russia joining the WTO? What are some political and economic steps that Russia has already taken to fulfill its goal of becoming a member of the international community?

2. Inform students that the Principles of Economics by N. Gregory Manikiw defines market economy as "an economy that allocates resources through the decentralized decisions of many firms ... as they interact in markets for goods and services." Ask: Why is Russia's recognition by the EU as a market economy "a key step on the road to entry into the World Trade Organization"? Discuss.

3. Who is Alexander Yakovenko? Point out to students that Yakovenko said the EU summit is critical "given the actively developing new relations between Russia and the United States and the qualitatively new level of relations with NATO." What is the meaning of his statement? Ask: Do you think the "new level of relations with NATO" will impact Russia's admission into the WTO? Do you think the "developing new relations between Russia and the United States will impact Russia's admission in to the WTO? Why or why not? Discuss.

3. Refer students to the WTO Web site and other resources to conduct research about the WTO. Pose the following questions to guide students' research:

What is the WTO's position on free trade?

Discuss student findings. Ask: Why do you think Russia is seeking admission to the WTO? What do you think Russia might gain by admittance into the WTO? Divide the students into two groups to debate whether or not Russia should be admitted to the WTO. Have the groups refer to the WTO's admissions process and criteria to prepare their position. Ask: Do you think Russia will be admitted to the WTO? Why or why not? Discuss.

Materials on this site are reproducible for classroom use.

RELATED STORIES: • How will membership into the WTO impact China? December 11, 2001 •  Specials

RELATED SITES: • WTO | Welcome to the WTO website • What is a Market Economy? -- DOS • MEI RAS: General Information Note: Pages will open in a new browser window External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.