Why does the WTO force poor countries to eliminate subsidies while rich countries get to continue subsidies?

Question

As part of the "structural adjustment policies" pushed by the WTO, World Bank, and IMF, poor third world countries are forced to abandon protectionist trade policies such as subsidies for domestic industry and agriculture.

However, the rich western countries that control the WTO, World Bank, and IMF continue to heavily subsidize their own farmers. So much so that agricultural goods from the United States are cheaper than those from many poor countries, and as a result poor third world farmers are unable to compete with cheap imports and they lose their livelihoods.

Shouldn't the rich countries who champion "free trade" policy have to follow the same rules that they force upon poor counties?

How is it fair that they force poor countries to abandon subsidies, while they continue to subsidize their own farmers so heavily? How is this possibly "free" trade?

Answer 1

This indeed is the glaring injustice that cuts at the root of "Globalization". It is one logic for the rich countries and another for the rest. the rich want to retain the privileges that will make them continue to be 'richer'. Even if it means that millions in other countries perish, the rich countries do not wish to give up any of their advantages. This can be seen in environment concerns too; the rich countries, especially USA want other countries to reduce carbon emissions, but it will not do anything to do so at home. It is certainly NOT FAIR; there is indeed worldwide protest against it.