Navigating the Free Trade–Fair Trade Fault-Lines

Is Free Trade desirable? Does it primarily benefit the wealthy? And what are its impacts on individual autonomy and human dignity?

These are some of the fundamental questions that acclaimed trade law expert, Michael Trebilcock, sets out to answer in this pithy and insightful journey through the past, present and future of international trade agreements and trade policy.

Exploring both the historical and contemporary conflicts and controversies surrounding the free trade vs fair trade debate, from the perspective of both developed and developing countries, the book illuminates the nuances of such issues as trade deficits, currency, subsidies, intellectual property rights, health and safety and environmental standards and competition policy. Navigating the Free Trade–Fair Trade Fault-Lines completes the journey by bringing us squarely into our times with a discussion on the implications of worldwide pandemics for international trade, and with an additional focus on the current trade conflict between the US and China.

Packed with insight and reasoned analysis, this short but powerful book will be an essential read for seasoned experts and newcomers alike. The book offers thought-provoking guidance to policy makers, lawyers, economists, scholars and anyone with a stake in the future of the international trading system.