J. Jackson, The World Trading System: Law and Policy of International Economic Relations

The book first sets forth the policies and practical considerations underlying the current international and national trading regimes, including a description of what Professor Jackson calls the “constitutional structure” of the national and world trading systems. In addition, the book describes the procedures and practices of dispute resolution. The international focus of the book is largely on the GATT, with the bulk of the book devoted to a discussion of a number of important substantive topics pertaining to the GATT. As the book points out, while a primary purpose of that international agreement was to lower tariffs, which has largely been achieved, high tariffs are not the only obstacle to trade between nations.5 The GATT also imposes a number of other obligations, the more important of which are discussed in the book, including the most favored nation principle, the obligation of nondiscriminatory or national treatment for imports, the permitting of actions against unfair trading (primarily dumping and subsidies), and the regulation of non-tariff barriers to trade. Also discussed are a number of policies that compete ”with those of comparative advantage and liberal trade,” including concerns with national security, protection of health and welfare, and protection of the environment. The final chapters are devoted, respectively, to special issues pertaining to developing countries and non-market economy countries. Professor Jackson ends his book by summarizing what conclusions a reader may draw from the book and proposes some corrective measures to ease problems in the international trade ”constitution.” In this regard, Professor Jackson understandably focuses on the U.S. perspective.