A net torque on the global lithosphere can be exerted both by ''ridge push'' and ''trench pull'' forces. A net ridge push torque is present if there is an asymmetry in the age distribution of seafloor about one or more ocean ridges. A net torque due to trench forces is present if the forces per trench length acting on the subducting and overthrust plates are not equal in magnitude. The combined net torque on the lithosphere contributed by ridge and trench forces must be balanced by an opposing torque, most likely due to basal shear tractions associated with a global rotation of the lithosphere relative to the underlying mantle. Such a rotation should be identifiable as true polar wander. The lack of significant rotation of the lithosphere with respect to the magnetic dipole axis during the Cenozoic, therefore, places a strong constraint on the nature of torques acting on the lithosphere. We suggest that the most likely explanation for negligible true polar wander in the Cenzoic is that the net ridge and trench torques nearly cancel one another. The net ridge and trench torque vectors are in nearly opposite directions and have been so through the Cenzoic, so the condition of near cancellation amounts to a restriction on the magnitude of the force imbalance along trench boundaries. Such a near cancellation of net torques and the resulting negligible true polar wander are likely to be consequences of present plate geometries and need not be representative of earlier eras.