Chapter 1: Understanding the Significance and Logic of International Trade Law

Section 1 Definition and Conceptual Elements of International Trade Law 5
Section 2: Why Do Countries Trade? 8
Section 3 Trade Policy Tools and Priorities 12
Section 4: Ranking of Economic and Political Efficiency of Trade Policy Tools 22

Chapter 2: Understanding the WTO Agreement System 34

Section 1: The Development of the WTO Agreement System 37
Section 2 Scope of the WTO Agreement 62

Chapter 3: Understanding the Basic Obligations of WTO Agreements and FTAs ​​76

Section 1 Introduction 79
Section 2: Open Market Principle 81
Section 3: Non-discrimination Principle 162
Section 4 Fair Trade Principle 280
Section 5 Minimum Standard Principle 306

Chapter 4 General Principles of Exceptions from Obligations under International Trade Law 348

Section 1 Understanding GATT Article XX and GATS Article XIV 351
Section 2 Understanding Article XXI of GATT, Article XIV-2 of GATS, and Article 73 of the TRIPS Agreement 377

Chapter 5 Principle of Prompt and Compulsory Dispute Resolution by Peaceful Means 390

Section 1: The Reemergence of Idealism 393
Section 2: Explanation of Each Step of the WTO Dispute Settlement Procedure 398
Section 3: Efforts to Reform Dispute Resolution Procedures and the Future 408

Chapter 6 Summary and Conclusion 416

Preface to the Second Edition

Published three years ago, "Understanding International Trade Law" presents a framework for a bird's-eye view of the field of international trade law and analyzes the foundations of multilateral trade norms, represented by the WTO Agreement, based on that framework.
We have also presented a detailed discussion on how this foundation is being reflected in bilateral agreements such as FTAs ​​and is changing into a stem.
However, because this work focused on the general theory of multilateral trade norms, there was a lack of analysis of specific aspects centered on FTAs.


With the inauguration of President Trump's second administration, trade measures from the United States are being taken in earnest for national security reasons.
In addition to the political and economic background of these measures, an analysis of international trade law is also urgently needed.
International norms regarding digital trade are also being developed, and it is important to understand these new norms within the existing international trade law framework.

To meet these needs, the second edition strengthens the specific analysis of trade law principles in free trade agreements, including FTAs, and provides an in-depth analysis of international norms related to digital trade and e-commerce.
The unilateral national security priority symbolized by Trumpism was also evaluated in a normative context.


International trade law must no longer remain a simple study of international law.
Based on an understanding of international political realities and the economic conflicts between countries, political economic research on how existing international norms reveal the limits of governance is essential.
We live in an age where international law is not law, but rather international law.
The essence of norms ultimately returns to the extremely common-sense and primal starting point of reciprocal necessity.
Building on this foundation, the work of reestablishing international trade relations is always a joyful endeavor for those who dream of world peace.


August 2025
Choi Won-mok