WTO’s leadership race

Observers do not expect the organization to settle on one candidate by the time Roberto Azevedo steps down in late August. If this is the case, a deputy director-general will be chosen for the post on an acting basis until a decision can be made. The leadership race comes amid deep dysfunction in an organization meant to be the guardian of free trade. Ever since President Trump assumed office in 2017, he has blasted the WTO as unfair to Washington, particularly regarding American trade disputes with China.