Geopolitics, Trade Blocks, and the Fragmentation of World Commerce

Reviews / Votes

Near-shoring, friend shoring, decoupling, and fragmentation are reshaping the global economic order. Dadush carefully analyzes the underlying drivers and consequences of these processes. * Foreign Affairs * Uri Dadush shows in this exacting book that the observed fragmentation of international trade is a cost in terms of lost welfare but also (and crucially so) it represents a threat towards the continued existence of the international regime as we know it. This book is necessary reading for policy-makers, and academics interested in the ongoing debate about the shaping of world relations. -- Petros C. Mavroidis, Columbia Law School Uri Dadush's Geopolitics, Trade Blocks, and the Fragmentation of World Commerce skillfully guides readers-analytically and geographically-through the new world of trade. Looking beyond the catchalls of globalization and protection, Dadush reveals the dynamism and adaptability of the trading system in the face of big shifts-including great power rivalries, technological change, climate rules and subsidies, regionalization, and new barriers. He concludes by offering practical counsel-and a possible pathway-for the two most important economies, the United States and China, to accommodate their rivalry within a system of rules and a modernized WTO. -- Robert B. Zoellick, former US Trade Representative, President of the World Bank and US Deputy Secretary of State Geopolitics, Trade Blocks, and the Fragmentation of World Commerce offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of crucial topics in world trade, underpinned by extensive and high-quality data. Particularly valuable is the author's thought-provoking analysis of the 'why' behind the changes and challenges in world trade, stimulating new thinking in relation to both the issues and solutions to address them. Furthermore, the book provides an invaluable analysis of Chinese economic and trade policy, especially in the context of the US-China trade war, offering an essential perspective on China's strategic considerations and approaches in dealing with these complexities. It is a remarkably accessible and well-structured guide for experts and general readers who are interested in world trade. -- Jean Dong, Author of Chinese Statecraft in a Changing World: Demystifying Enduring Traditions and Dynamic Constraints Uri Dadush is one of the most acute observers of the trends that shape trade and investment flows internationally. His research is as rigorous as his approach is original. Geopolitics, Trade Blocks, and the Fragmentation of World Commerce surely is one of the best works published on this subject in recent years. A must read. -- Moises Naim, Distinguished Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and author of The Revenge of Power This is a must-read, beautifully written, brilliant book on a topic of immense importance -- the future of global trade. Uri Dadush is one of the world's premiere applied trade economists with full command of theory, policy, institutions, geopolitics, history, and, above all, the facts. Is free international trade coming to an end? Dadush's striking, convincing answer to this mega question will please some, disturb others, but convince all. -- Laurence J. Kotlikoff, professor of economics, Boston University At a time when trade and globalization have become bad words, Uri D. Dadush shows us that the situation is worrying, but not hopeless. The global trading system is broken, but there is still time to save it. This book gives an interesting perspective of how we got where we are and how we, mainly the US and China, can avoid further fragmentation. -- Cecilia Malmstrom Uri Dadush's Geopolitics, Trade Blocks and the Fragmentation of World Commerce is an essential read for understanding the contemporary challenges facing global trade, offering deep insights into the erosion of trade rules and the growing fragmentation caused by geopolitical shifts. Dadush's rigorous analysis and strategic perspective make this book a crucial resource for policymakers and business leaders navigating the uncertain future of international trade. -- Anabel Gonzalez No one is more qualified to explain the dire consequences of the fragmentation of the WTO-based multilateral trading system than Uri Dadush. In this new book, he tells us why it is happening, how it is happening, and, most important, why it matters to the whole world. The good news is, he does not see this unravelling as irreversible but believes it can still be turned around with the right kind of policies and leadership. Those who hope to preserve and improve the trading system should read his analysis and his insightful recommendations. -- James Bacchus, University of Central Florida Uri Dadush's Geopolitics, Trade Blocks, and the Fragmentation of World Commerce could not be more timely coming when Protectionism is on the rise, and the value of the Multilateral Trading System with the WTO rules that underpin it is being questioned. With a refreshing dose of optimism Dadush discusses, not just what ails the system but what can and must be done to save it. In this regard, his work echoes our call at the WTO for Reglobalization-a reimagining of globalization and reform of its rules such that those left at the margins of Global Trade are included. -- Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, DG WTO and Former Finance Minister of Nigeria This timely and insightful book stands out for its integration of geopolitics into the analysis of global trade fragmentation. Uri Dadush combines rigorous trade theory and empirics with a deep understanding of geopolitical tensions. The book addresses why fragmentation is happening, its consequences, and what policymakers can do to mitigate the economic and political disruptions in a world marked by the Pandemic, China-US tensions, and the war in Ukraine. A must-read for understanding the complexities of today's fractious and unstable world order. -- Jose De Sousa, professor of economics at the University of Paris Pantheon-Assas Every day, literally, we see the global trading system cracking apart. Geopolitics, Trade Blocks, and the Fragmentation of World Commerce gives us the keys to understand what it is happening and why, driven by sound, lucid analyses, and underpinned by a mass of information. It also maps out credible ways of limiting the damage. It is a tour de force produced by one of the most knowledgeable experts. -- Charles Wyplosz, The Graduate Institute, Geneva Dr. Dadush offers a useful and readable perspective on the state of global trade policy and politics, with particular emphasis on the US, China, and the need for an effective rules-based trading system. The work benefits from its juxtaposition of hard data against economic theory, political reality, and punditry. While he works hard to find optimism across a landscape more often described in terms of cynicism or handwringing, Dr. Dadush urges us to keep going back to core underlying issues and to avoid trying to solve non-trade problems with trade policy 'solutions.' -- Susan Schwab, Former United States Trade Representative Uri Dadush presents a fascinating and highly readable account of global trade. While trade is resilient, Dadush shows that the risks of fragmentation increase and would undermine fighting poverty and addressing climate change. Policy makers should listen to his strong pleas for preserving globalisation. An accommodation between China and the US needs to be found so that the world community can continue benefiting from global trade. -- Guntram Wolff, senior fellow Bruegel and professor of economics at the Willy Brandt School. Domestic employment, income distribution, relations with China and the developing world depend on trade, and for the ordinary citizens of good will, the news can be confusing and raise much fear. But there is hope! They should read Geopolitics, Trade Blocks, and the Fragmentation of World Commerce, which is the fruit of a lifetime's experience and offers a clear and balanced view. In that sense, it is a welcome contribution to what we need most now, peace. -- Christophe Chamley