Race-to-the-bottom argument: expresses the fear that the need to compete with imports from countries with low labour costs and lower labour standards will reduce wages and labour conditions in the developed countries. This argument forms part of the rationale for discussions on a social clause and trade and labour standards. A similar argument has been made in relation to environmental standards where it is thought that lower environmental requirements in some countries could give them a competitive advantage. See also core labour standards, globalization, social dumping, trade and environment, wage-differential argument and workers rights.

Ratchet mechanism: refers to provisions on trade in services in some free-trade agreements whereby autonomous liberalization measures by a member between negotiating sessions are automatically included in that member's schedule of commitments under the agreement in question. See also non-conforming measures. [OECD TD/TC(2002)8/FINAL]

Rational ignorance: a decision by voters not to spend time or money on getting to understand electoral matters not concerning them since the marginal cost of getting the information would be greater than the marginal benefit derived from it. [Dam 2001]

REACH: Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals. This is a European Union (EU) proposal launched in 2003 to improve protection in the EU of human health and the environment from the hazards of chemicals and to enhance the competitiveness the EU chemicals industry. REACH requires the registration of all chemical substances produced or imported in volumes greater then one tonne per year.