Understanding Trade Law (Elgar Advanced Introductions series)

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