This thesis assesses the implications of multilateralism on state behaviour and the ability to shape the negotiation outcomes. More specifically, this thesis examines the small European Union (EU) states' strategy, motivation and influence on the agricultural trade negotiations. Small states face greater challenge as the European Council decides trade issues by Qualified Majority Voting which generally favours bigger member states with heavier voting weight. In the current Doha Round negotiations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) (2000 - 2006), the increasing pressures from within the EU and WTO continue to challenge the viability of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In particular, the United States and the CAIRNS group countries criticised heavily the EU's protectionist approach to CAP.