2019/2020
International Trade Negotiations
Type:
Optional course (faculty)
Delivered by:
Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs
When:
3, 4 module
Instructors:
Polina Tonkikh
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
36
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Negotiations are ubiquitous in international affairs. International trade negotiations are complex processes, involving dozens or more players who may each represent different interests. This course aims at (i) giving students a range of analytical tools (both formal and informal) in order to understand negotiation dynamics between different configurations of actors, (ii) providing them with the skills needed to develop appropriate strategies and tactics in the conduct of trade negotiations and then (iii) testing their ability to apply them in selected case studies as well as in a simulation exercise. Priority will be given to recent or on-going negotiation challenges and processes in international trade. A part of the course is devoted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as one of the major platforms for conducting international trade negotiations. Students will be exposed to some of the contemporary challenges facing the WTO, including the impasse of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations and the proliferation of regional trade agreements. Students will explore the key non-discrimination principles relating to international trade in goods and services, such as the National Treatment and the Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment principles, as well the basic exceptions to WTO obligations. This is an overview course on the subject matter. There are no mandatory prerequisites for the course, however, having some basic knowledge of international trade, international organizations and trade policy would be an asset
Learning Objectives
- Students are expected to acquire a range of analytical tools (both formal and informal) in order to understand negotiation dynamics between different configurations of actors, as well as various skills needed to develop appropriate strategies and tactics in the conduct of trade negotiations and then.
- Students should be ready to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in selected case studies as well as in a simulation exercise in order to be better prepared for similar negotiations in practice.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Know features of negotiation strategies and tactics of various states;
- know current issues in negotiation practice
- Be able to conduct international trade negotiations;
- Be able to find a compromise
- Have skills (gain experience): identify strategic interests;
- Find an alternative strategy in case of unsuccessful negotiations
Course Contents
- Overview of International Trade Negotiations - what are international negotiations and international trade negotiations in particular; - who are the major actors and players in the international arena; - bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral trade negotiations; - negotiations on regional trade agreements (RTAs), free trade areas
- Key WTO Principles and Exceptions Basic principles: market access - reduction of tariff barriers (GATT Art. II, XXVIII) - Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) clause (GATT Art. I, XIII) - prohibition of quantitative restrictions (GATT Art. XI) - National Treatment (GATT Art. III) Specific rules for developing countries. The so-called Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in WTO. Preferential Trade Arrangements and General Systems of Preferences.
- International Trade Negotiations and the World Trade Organization - history of the World Trade Organization; - General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); - overview of multilateral trade agreements in the WTO; - rounds of negotiations during the GATT times and in the WTO; - WTO accession negotiations, Russia’s accession to the organization.
- Key WTO Principles and Exceptions (continued) Major Exceptions: - General exceptions (GATT Art. XX) - Regional trade agreements (GATT Art. XXIV) - Security (GATT Art. XXI) Competition without distortions: Subsidies (GATT Art. VI and XVI), Dumping (GATT Art. VI), State Trading Enterprises (GATT Art. XVII)
- Negotiating Process and its Stages. (1) Preparation; (2) Negotiations; (3) Outcomes of negotiations; (3+) Implementation and compliance. Stage 1. Pre-negotiation process. Carefully preparing and drafting the negotiating position. Choosing the negotiating strategy and tactics.
- Necessary Skills and Techniques. Stage 2. Conducting negotiations. Drafting durable agreements. Necessary negotiation skills and techniques and their application. Stage 3. Summarizing the agreements. Analysing the outcomes of negotiations. Stage 3+. Implementation and Compliance.
- Multilateral Trade Negotiations in the WTO: Theory and Practice - how multilateral trade negotiations are conducted in practice; - current international trade agenda and ongoing trade negotiations
- Negotiating Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) - Proliferation of RTAs in the world and its impact on the multilateral trading system; - TPP, TTIP, Brexit negotiations.
- Summary. International Trade Negotiations: Practical Insights [Lecture by one of the key trade negotiators]
- Simulation Exercise on International Trade Negotiations Groups of students representing a particular WTO member or country in the international trade negotiations.
Assessment Elements
- Presentations
- Class Participation
- Quizzes
- FINAL EXAMExam was in March, that is why was held offline as it described below
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- International negotiation : actors, structure/process, values / ed. by Peter Berton . (1999). Basingstoke [u.a.]: Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.082644616
- Thompson, L. L. (2015). The Mind and Heart of the Negotiator, Global Edition (Vol. Sixth edition, global edition). Boston: Pearson. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=nlebk&AN=1419288
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- World Trade Organization [electronic resource] : early decisions are vital to progress in ongoing negotiations. (2002). [Washington, D.C.] : U.S. General Accounting Office, 2002. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsgpr&AN=edsgpr.000554773