Simon Lester

I have a short Cato paper discussing how the TTIP could actually get done, despite a few big hurdles it is facing. I tried to be optimistic, maintain a positive outlook, and suggest a way forward. However, I should note that what I hear from people who actually are insiders

This is from the officially released CETA text (p. 184): Annex X: Public Debt 1. No claim that a restructuring of debt issued by a Party breaches an obligation under Sections [Non-Discriminatory Treatment, Investment Protection] may be submitted to, or if already submitted continue in, arbitration under Section 6

I've heard it suggested that opening up developing country tobacco markets to foreign competition will mean lower prices and greater consumption.  But is that true?  This article calls this into question: For more than two decades, public health scholars and proponents have demonstrated concern about the negative effects

I've been watching the confirmation hearing for Cecilia Malmström as the next EU trade commissioner.  It was really very interesting.  Much more detailed questions and answers than we usually see in U.S. congressional hearings. She suggested that she was open to the possibility of excluding ISDS from

From WTO DG Roberto Azevedo: Some years ago there was a proposal to increase the number of AB members. Under the current situation the 7 member AB can handle around 10-12 appeals at most per year. That’s stretching the envelope. And this is with AB Members working almost

From WTO DG Roberto Azevedo: ... there are many big issues which can only be tackled in an efficient manner in the multilateral context through the WTO. Trade Facilitation was negotiated successfully in the WTO because it makes no economic sense to cut red tape or simplify trade procedures at the

Trade law is famous for its "sin" tax cases, on products such as alcohol and tobacco.  But the list of "sins" out there keeps growing.  There is sugar, there is junk food in general, and yes, now we have hamburgers.  This is from the FT: Anyone

Last week, I was complaining about an attempt to defend ISDS by someone who did not seem aware of how investment obligations work.  In contrast, here is someone who gets it right: What investment treaties typically do is offer investors (in either direction) reciprocal guarantees of basic principles such as