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International Trade Law & Regulation - LAW00075H

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  • Department: The York Law School
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Kathryn Wright
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module explores international trade law and the governance of economic regulation. It begins with a brief history of the development of the international trade system, before focusing on the institutional structure of the World Trade Organisation and its dispute settlement mechanism, and the substantive principles and agreements underpinning world trade such as the GATT, on goods, and GATS, on services. These include rules on non-discrimination and market access. Going beyond the breaking down of trade barriers, we also consider harmonisation of national regulations, particularly taking the example of intellectual property. While the WTO system is based on public international law between States, the role of non-State actors is at issue. Beyond the WTO system this includes the contribution of private international law, which governs cross-border disputes between private entities. The module further considers the external regulatory reach of the European Union, the most integrated regional trade agreement. Following Brexit, we draw from the example of the UK’s trade agreement with the EU to explore level playing field issues on subsidies and standards (such as environmental and labour standards). The module considers trade in context, concerning its relationship with other values and interests, and reactions against multilateralism.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module explores international trade law and the governance of economic regulation. It begins with a brief history of the development of the international trade system, before focusing on the institutional structure of the World Trade Organisation and its dispute settlement mechanism, and the substantive principles and agreements underpinning world trade such as the GATT, on goods, and GATS, on services. These include rules on non-discrimination and market access. Going beyond the breaking down of trade barriers, we also consider harmonisation of national regulations, particularly taking the example of intellectual property. While the WTO system is based on public international law between States, the role of non-State actors is at issue. Beyond the WTO system this includes the contribution of private international law, which governs cross-border disputes between private entities. The module further considers the external regulatory reach of the European Union, the most integrated regional trade agreement. Following Brexit, we draw from the example of the UK’s trade agreement with the EU to explore level playing field issues on subsidies and standards (such as environmental and labour standards). The module considers trade in context, concerning its relationship with other values and interests, and reactions against multilateralism.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the institutional structure of the World Trade Organisation, regional trade agreements, and dispute resolution mechanisms

2. Analyse the substantive principles and agreements underpinning world trade

3. Critically evaluate the interaction between non-economic issues and trade policy

4. Discuss the external regulatory reach of jurisdictions such as the European Union

5. Reflect on the future of the world trade system and potential for reform

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Formative feedback on essay/case study plan in individual meeting with module leader

Written feedback on summative assessment provided within the policy turnaround time

Further opportunities for oral feedback during the seminar workshops and the module leader’s weekly drop-in hour

Indicative reading

Daniel Bethlehem, Isabelle Van Damme, Donald McRae, and Rodney Neufeld (eds), Oxford Handbook of International Trade Law (OUP 2009, e-version 2012)

Peter van der Bossche and Denise Prevost, Essentials of WTO Law (2nd edition, CUP, 2021)

Anu Bradford, The Brussels Effect (OUP, 2019)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.