Social Regulation in the WTO

This original and authoritative book analyzes how the WTO’s restrictions on the use of trade measures for social goals affects the development of the law of the international community.

The author examines international law on the use of trade measures to promote non-trade values including human health, environmental protection, and cultural diversity in order to determine whether the WTO decisions in these areas promote the development of the international legal system in a way that benefits the individual. Including an analysis of the most important ‘trade-&’ cases handed down by the WTO’s Appellate Body, the book stimulates creative consideration of the extent to which the international trading system’s prohibition on the use of trade measures may stifle progress on legal norms that would foster an international community. Krista Nadakavukaren Schefer suggests using the law of equity to fully take into account both the trade and the social issues at stake in any particular case.



With its thorough analysis of WTO trade and decisions, this path-breaking book will be a stimulating read for scholars and students of international law, international economic law and international relations.