Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
5-2025
Abstract
Accounts concerning the world trading system usually start the debate from the negotiation of the GATT. Trade integration before the First World War, though, had been quite remarkable, and the study of this era enriches our understanding of modern institutions in at least two ways. First, a number of GATT provisions had already been shaped during discussions following the advent of the League of Nations. Second, trade integration before the First World War did not manage to put a brake on belligerent behaviour, putting to rest the old Montesquieuan idea of doux commerce. Recent developments (like the invasion of Ukraine by Russia) can be analysed in this context, so that the world trading community can better grasp the limits of trade integration, and its impact on international relations.
Disciplines
International Law | International Trade Law | Law
Recommended Citation
Petros C. Mavroidis,
Trade Integration,
The Cambridge History of International Law, Vol. 10: International Law at the Time of the League of Nations (1920–1945), Randall Lesaffer, Robert Kolb & Momchil Milanov (Eds.), Cambridge University Press
(2025).
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/faculty_scholarship/4631
Comments
This material has been published in "The Cambridge History of International Law, Vol. 10: International Law at the Time of the League of Nations (1920–1945)" edited by Randall Lesaffer, Robert Kolb, and Momchil Milanov. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution or re-use.