Whenever discontent with globalization erupts, so does the myth of a world-dominating tribe that dare not say its name: the tribe sees itself as “elect” and deserving of world mastery, with a mission that is  universal and thus not bound by the normal (territorial) rules of tribalism. In the past,

This is from Reuters: The European Commission will propose next week a simple approval procedure for a planned EU-Canada trade deal in a bid to speed up the adoption of an agreement seen as a controversial in many EU capitals. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told EU leaders meeting on Tuesday

The WTO panels in the plain packaging case have delayed the reports again. This is from the panel communication in the DS435 case: The Panel wishes to advise that it now expects to issue its final report to the parties not before the end of 2016, in light of the

Following up on the last post, this is from a recent report by Canada's Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, seeking to have the Canadian Supreme Court clarify the free trade provisions of the Canadian Constitution: A. Overview While the committee would prefer a renewed and

Last month, a Canadian lower court ruled that the Canadian constitution does, in fact, guarantee free trade among the provinces. Here are the basic facts of the case, from the Toronto Globe and Mail: In 2013, Gérard Comeau was caught in what is likely the lamest sting operation in Canadian

As always, when there are big, disruptive policy changes, lawyers are some of the biggest winners. In the case of Brexit, it looks like some of my trade lawyer friends will be among them: The ripple effect of last week’s Brexit vote continues to be felt in Washington, where

OK, no sensible person who understood Brexit ever really wanted it.  And there are enough potential legal and institutional obstacles—including most importantly the need for British Parliamentary action—to make it possible that actual Brexit never happens, as thoughtful commentators like Gideon Rachman and Andrew Moravcsik have said.  So

Donald Trump just gave a speech on trade policy. It's full of nonsense, but honestly, it's not much different than you would hear from other politicians (many Democrats and some Republicans). Here are his recommendations for change: There is no way to “fix” the TPP. We

For people teaching WTO/international trade law, and still looking for a book to work with, the latest edition of my case book, International Trade Law, is now out. The main addition, compared to the second edition (2012), is a third author: Jennifer A. Hillman, formerly a member of the

Prior to the vote, I wasn't paying much attention to Brexit. Like many people, I didn't think Leave would happen. I was wrong, and now I'm trying to play catch up on the issue! I've seen it said that Article 3(1)