Defining Developing Countries in International Economic Law

Through a detailed analysis of the example of China and the World Trade Organization, this book considers how developing countries are defined and, more importantly, how developing countries could be better defined in international economic law.

What is a developing country? How should developing countries be categorised for the purpose of providing aid or support? Is China still a developing country despite being the world's second-largest economy? There are currently a variety of ways in which developing countries are categorised, none of which are satisfactory. Once a country is designated as 'developing', it then receives significant developmental support and aid. This book aims to contribute to identifying innovative solutions to the question of how developing countries should be designated in the field of international economic law. The book uses the example of China and its controversial continuing status as a developing country by the World Trade Organization in order to provide an in-depth analysis of the wider issue of how developing countries should be defined and categorised in international economic law.

This book will be of interest to scholars in international economic law, law and development, political science, and international relations, as well as policymakers working in relevant areas.