I wasn't addressing the posted article in particular but I am talking about WTO's expanding(?) role.
The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland is just one place business elites and heads of governments meet to discuss the global economy. Our own leftist elites e.g., DLC New Democrat Third Way progressives, are among them. They and leftist elites from around the world have many ways to discuss and influence globalization matters year around. These are of course the UN, the World Bank, and various agreements and treaties.
Our New Democrat Third Way progressives have no use for 20th century liberalism. They praise "free trade" transfers of western technology, jobs, know-how, and wealth to emerging nations. They know they need the free market to create wealth. They do not intend to let laissez faire capitalism dominate globalization.
Perhaps I read too much into the writings at New Democrat On Line, ndol.org, but there is no question in my mind that this version of globalization is a virtual Marxist revolution from the top down.
If corporations want to stay in the game they will have to follow the rules and New Democrat Third Way progressives and their comrades from other countries intend to make the rules. There is talk of expanding the WTO authority to include some aspects of the ILO and "social justice" in general.
It may take years but I really do believe that one day New Democrat Third Way progressives, et al. will be looking to buy that rope from western corporations.
New Orleans Slim, the WTO street protesters in Seattle were addressed by Mr. New Democrat Third Way progressive himself, Bill Clinton. The protesters are simply asked to be patient. To wit, "While criticizing the violence in Seattle, President Clinton has urged the WTO to heed the legitimate complaints of the protestors."