General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

Upon which organization does the international community primarily rely to deal with claims of unfair protectionism by one country against another?

1. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

2. World Trade Organization (WTO)

3. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

4. International Red Cross (IRC)

The correct answer is: World Trade Organization (WTO)

The World Trade Organization (WTO) plays a crucial role in addressing issues of protectionism in international trade. It serves as a global platform where member countries can negotiate trade agreements and work through disputes. When one country implements protectionist measures that are deemed unfair to another nation—such as tariffs, quotas, or other trade barriers—the affected country can bring the issue to the WTO. The organization then facilitates discussions and can rule on whether such practices are consistent with international trade agreements. The WTO's fundamental purpose includes ensuring that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible, making it the primary authority for addressing trade disputes and protectionist claims. It provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements and a dispute resolution mechanism, which are essential in maintaining fair trade practices among the member nations. In contrast, the other organizations listed serve different purposes. NATO focuses on military and security cooperation, OPEC is concerned with oil production and pricing, and the International Red Cross is dedicated to humanitarian aid and relief efforts. Thus, while all these organizations have significant roles in their respective fields, none are primarily geared towards addressing issues of unfair trade practices like the WTO.