This course provides a detailed examination of the legal rules, institutions, and policies that govern international trade in goods and services. It centers on the multilateral trading system established by the World Trade Organization (WTO), including its agreements, dispute resolution mechanisms, and governing principles such as Most-Favored Nation (MFN) and National Treatment.
In addition to the WTO framework, the course explores regional and bilateral trade agreements (RTAs/FTAs), trade remedies (e.g., anti-dumping, countervailing duties, safeguards), export controls, national security exceptions, and the intersection of trade law with environmental, labor, and human rights concerns. Students will also engage with contemporary issues such as U.S.-China trade tensions, digital trade, global supply chains, and the evolving role of trade in international relations.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand the structure, purpose, and functioning of the WTO and the key principles of international trade law.
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Analyze and interpret the core WTO agreements, including GATT, GATS, and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
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Identify and evaluate the legal and policy tools used by states to regulate trade, including tariffs, quotas, subsidies, and trade remedies.
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Critically assess the role of dispute resolution in the WTO and in regional trade regimes.
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Explore the interaction between trade law and non-trade values such as human rights, public health, and environmental protection.
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Understand the implications of regionalism, nationalism, and geopolitical rivalry on the evolution of international trade law.
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Develop the ability to advise on legal aspects of cross-border trade transactions and compliance with international trade obligations.
