Remember the U.S. France Roquefort/hormone fed beef wars of the 90's?

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Most people weren't paying attention when the World Trade Organization came into existence on January 1, 1995. But French cheese producers certainly noticed in 1999, when the United States suddenly slapped a 100 percent duty on Roquefort cheese. Other European delicacies, including Dijon mustard, French chocolate, and truffles, were also targeted in the US action.

The higher tariffs were authorized as part of the WTO's dispute process. Since the 1980s, Europe has banned the sale of hormone-treated beef, which is common in the United States. In a 1996 WTO complaint, the US charged that this law violated the EU's trade commitments. The WTO panel agreed with the United States, and authorized the United States to retaliate by slapping higher taxes on selected European products.

Like all WTO sanctions, the goal of these higher duties was to pressure European decision-makers to change the law. But the move also precipitated anger against the United States and the WTO. Shortly after the Roquefort tax went into effect, a French sheep farmer named José Bové retaliated by vandalizing a McDonald's that was under construction near his farm. The protest earned him a short prison sentence, but it also made him a global icon in the fight against the WTO.

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ou can see this same pattern in other areas of the law. Hollywood wants to extend copyright protection to the life of the author plus 70 years. Pharmaceutical companies want to make it harder to introduce generic versions of brand-name drugs. Environmental groups want stronger environmental protections. International investors want better ways to challenge alleged government expropriation of their investments.

And they all see the TPP as the perfect vehicle for doing that. If a country fails to live up to its commitments under the TPP, it can be hauled before a TPP dispute-settlement panel and — if it loses — face trade sanctions. Which means countries are likely to actually comply with their commitments — something that isn't necessarily true of other types of international agreements.

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http://www.vox.com/2015/4/17/8438995/why-obamas-new-trade-deal-is-so-controversial