Understanding Trade Law

Book Synopsis: 'A fantastic introduction to international trade! Trebilcock does an outstanding job in breaking through the myth that international trade is somehow too hard to learn without years of study. The field is in desperate need of an expertly written yet accessible presentation, and now it has one. This should be everyone's first book on the subject.' - Andrew Guzman, University of California, Berkeley

This book provides a short, straightforward account of the basic structure and principles of international trade law written by one of the leading authorities in this field.

The book covers, in a series of short chapters, all the major issues in international trade law, including dispute settlement; the Most Favoured Nation Principle; preferential trade agreements; the National Treatment Principle; contingent protection laws (anti-dumping, countervailing duties and safeguards); trade and agriculture; trade and services; trade and investment; trade-related intellectual property rights; trade policy and domestic health; safety, environmental and labor regulation; and trade policy and developing countries. Each chapter sets out the basic provisions and relevant GATT/WTO agreements governing the issues in question, the central issues or conflicts that have arisen in the interpretation and application of these provisions, leading GATT/WTO case law generated by the formal dispute settlement processes of the GATT/WTO, and unresolved issues that remain a matter of controversy.

Understanding Trade Law will be a beneficial resource for undergraduate and graduate students studying the regulation of international trade, policy-makers in government, members of national and international NGOs with a special interest in international economic issues, as well as members of domestic interest groups concerned with trade issues. Anyone interested in acquiring a basic understanding of international trade law principles will also find this book invaluable.

Contents: Preface; 1. Setting the Context; 2. Dispute Settlement Under the GATT/WTO; 3. Tariffs and the Most Favoured Nation Principle; 4. Preferential Trade Agreements; 5. The National Treatment Principle; 6. Antidumping Laws; 7. Subsidies and Countervailing Duties; 8. Safeguards and Adjustment Assistance Policies; 9. Trade and Agriculture; 10. Trade in Services; 11. Trade and Investment; 12. Trade-related Intellectual Property Rights; 13. Trade Policy and Domestic Health and Safety Regulation; 14. Trade Policy and the Environment; 15. Trade Policy, Labour Standards, and Human Rights; 16. Trade Policy and Developing Countries; 17. Future Challenges for the World Trading System; Index

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