Globalization in Latin America

The approach of Latin American countries to preferential trade agreements (PTAs) is a fascinating topic. There is a rich history of policymakers using PTAs to pursue different economic and political models of integration. What really stands out is the diversity of approaches and attitudes to the use of PTAs. While some countries have been rule-makers and have made innovative attempts to introduce new issues, others have been reluctant to use PTAs. In response to the growing interest in and politicization of PTAs in the wider public – including renewed consideration of ‘with whom to trade’ – this book brings together scholars from inside and outside Latin America to address the past, present and future challenges associated with PTAs. The contributions, from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, offer new insights into issues related to the design, diffusion and impact of PTAs. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.

Manfred Elsig is Professor at the World Trade Institute, University of Bern. His research focuses on international political economy and international institutions. He is a co-founder of the Design of Trade Agreement database (DESTA) and the co-editor of the journal World Trade Review. Recent publications include The Concept Design of a Twenty-First Century Preferential Trade Agreement (Cambridge University Press, 2024).

Rodrigo Polanco is Senior Lecturer, Researcher and Academic Coordinator at the World Trade Institute, University of Bern; Legal Adviser at the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law; and Visiting Professor at the University of Chile. He has published extensively on investment, trade, tax and environmental law with leading international academic publishers and journals.

Andrew Lugg is Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His research focuses on international political economy and international organizations. His work has appeared in academic journals including International Studies Quarterly, Review of International Organizations, Journal of Conflict Resolution and Journal of International Economic Law.