Local Engagement with International Economic Law and Human Rights

Reviews / Votes

'This is a timely volume on the long-standing debate on the relationship between trade and human rights. The chapters are contributed by some of the leading scholars in the field and cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the relationship. It not only highlights the tensions and conflicts between the two, but also explores ways on how the potentials of trade may be harnessed to serve the needs of human rights protection at the local level. Therefore, it will not only inspire researchers on these issues, but also provide invaluable practical lessons to policy makers and activists.' -- Henry Gao, Singapore Management University 'Today's world is beset, once again, with surges of nationalism and libertarianism that challenge the enforcement of human rights and international trade law. This much-needed collection of essays by leading scholars explores the policy space in national legal systems for effectively coordinating the sometimes disparate requirements of the two regimes of international law. Building on proposed theoretical frameworks for effective local engagement with these requirements, several highly instructive case studies from North America, Europe and Asia illuminate institutional and cultural predispositions within the acceptable margins of appreciation for enforcement.' -- James Nafziger, Willamette University, College of Law, US 'This is a timely and valuable contribution to the current discourse on trade globalization development. In a very refreshing way the book explores both theoretical and practical dimensions and challenges facing the inter-relationship between trade law and human rights standards in the local context to interpret and implement international norms. Its interdisciplinary approach and the original analyses make the book very readable and stimulating. The excellent scholarship on comprehensive socio-legal conceptualization deserves a special recognition.' -- Xianchu Zhang, The University of Hong Kong