Instructor(s): Matthew Kronby, Michael Solursh

Note:  This course satisfies either the Perspective or the International/Comparative/Transnational course requirement.

This seminar will explore the regulatory framework and rules governing international trading relations, and how they have been evolving – or fracturing – due to challenges such as political trends in the United States and their impact elsewhere, China’s membership in the WTO, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the COVID pandemic. 

Topics that will be examined against this background include: the GATT/WTO multilateral trade law regime; the principles of non-discrimination (most favoured nation and national treatment); preferential trade agreements; rules on the imposition of tariffs and quantitative restrictions on trade in goods; special & differential treatment for developing countries; dispute settlement; disciplines on injurious trade (anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard measures); the regulation of cross-border trade in services and investment; national security, economic sanctions and export controls; and trade and health and safety, the environment, labour and human rights.

Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their contribution to class discussion (10%), in-class exercises (30%) and a 2-hour, limited open-book exam (60%) covering key topics discussed in class. The in-class exercises will involving hypothetical trade law problems. Students will be grouped into teams to address the issues presented, playing the role of advisors to a state government or a party in a state-to-state dispute, and applying the law and principles discussed in the readings and in class to support their positions.
Academic year
2025 - 2026

At a Glance

First Term
Credits
3
Hours
2
Perspective course
ICT

Enrolment

Maximum
28

23 JD
3 LLM/SJD/MSL/SJD U

1 Economics and 1 Pol. Sci. student

Schedule

W: 6:10 - 8:00 pm