The Future of the Trade and Investment Regime

Recent political developments such as the decision of the United Kingdom (UK) to leave the European Union (EU) and the protectionist agenda of the Trump Administration in the United States (US) are generating profound changes in international economic relations. Although both the US and the EU have been the main protagonists of the international economic system for a long time, now the US is turning inwards while the EU is dealing with political and economic challenges at home. In that context, both the multilateral trading system and the extensive network of current preferential trade and investment agreements are under heightened scrutiny. In a number of countries, there is a backlash against investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) and the effectiveness of investment treaties has been questioned. There is a growing perception of uneven globalisation where trade and investment integration are blamed for negative effects. This course will address the causes of the anti-globalisation and protectionist movements and its most notable consequences, such as the withdrawal from trade and investment agreements and their renegotiation. What drives countries to do this and what are the consequences? Do they actually achieve what they want? How they do it?

Course leader

Chad Bown, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC, a Research Fellow at CEPR in London and a Non-Resident Fellow at the WTI, and Andrew Newcombe, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law at the University of Victo

Target group

We accept individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree in law, economics or political science, or in an unrelated field supplemented by relevant working experience. Participants are expected to have a strong command of English and should be ready to read a large amount of material in English both prior to and during the Summer Academy.

Course aim

The WTI Summer Academy covers cutting-edge issues in investment and trade law and policy. It is designed for private and public sector and civil society professionals as well as higher-education students. In lectures, discussions and case studies, renowned experts will teach you how to blend the policy aspects of trade and investment with thorough legal interpretation and economic analysis. Becoming a part of the WTI community, you will establish valuable contacts with fellow-minded professionals and lecturers.

Fee info

CHF 1200: Tuition for one week is 1,200 Swiss francs and for three weeks it is 3,200 Swiss francs.

Scholarships

The WTI does not grant scholarships for the Summer Academy. Financial aid, if needed, should be requested from other donor organisations or institutions.