The aim of this seminar will be to look at the international economic law (broadly defined—including international trade law and investment law) from a critical perspective. While the WTO has attempted to facilitate cross-border trade, it has been criticized for constraining the policy space of its Members. This is even more so, as we are moving towards the age of “trade 3.0” with new-generation preferential trade agreements (PTAs) featuring mechanisms addressing emerging challenges. This seminar does not adopt a doctrinal approach, focusing on cases. Rather, we start with a broader context by considering international econmic order as a tool of global governance. We will help students further understand how major powers shape the international economic order and reflect upon the legitimacy and accountability issues from a critical perspective. On this basis, this seminar will focus on selected issues—e.g., the nexus between international economic law and administrative rulemaking process and how a nation’s data protection regime may affect international trade—and vice versa. In short, this seminar aims to help students not only map the key challenges facing trade policymakers but also develop their critical thinking skill.

Course Unit 5.10.A on 11/22.11/24.11/27.11/29.12/1@Room1703.