GLOBAL TRADE WARS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK: INTERNATIONAL LAW IN A FRAGMENTED WORLD

Global Trade Wars and Legal Framework: International Law in a Fragmented World examines the growing tensions in the global trading system arising from tariff disputes, economic nationalism, and strategic competition among states. It explores how trade wars challenge the foundations of international economic law, particularly the rules-based framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), regional trade agreements, and bilateral arrangements. The study analyzes the legal justifications invoked by states—such as national security, safeguard measures, and retaliatory tariffs—and assesses their consistency with established international law principles. In a world marked by fragmentation, unilateralism, and weakening multilateral institutions, the work highlights the increasing role of regionalism, power asymmetries, and geopolitical interests in shaping trade relations. It also evaluates the impact of trade conflicts on developing countries and the future of global economic governance, emphasizing the need for legal reform and renewed cooperation to restore stability and predictability in international trade.