SCRUTINIZING RTAS A Comparative Review of David Gantz, Regional Trade Agreements: Law, Policy and Practice

Abstract

Each of these five works on RTAs is substantively related, and together they form a veritable collection of thought on the subject. Professor Mathis discusses GATT Article XXIV. Professor Viner analyzes and discusses the economics of RTAs and notes problems which may occur, even before RTAs came to be widely used. Professor Bhagwati argues against the continuation of movement towards increased regionalism, by addressing problems it causes. Activist Nader presents an anti-free trade policy argument which is not academic in nature, but is important to address for many reasons, the primary one being that he influences American Citizens who vote and own businesses. Regional Trade Agreements addresses all of these issues, to a greater or lesser degree, and more. In other words, Professor Gantz’s book not only fits nicely into this library, but adds value to it. His discussion of RTAs is not restricted to policy orientation, as is the treatment in the works by Professor Bhagwati and Activist Nader. Professor Gantz discusses many more aspects of RTAs than just Article XXIV, unlike Professor Mathis. And, he moves beyond the economics of RTAs, which is the focus of Professor Viner. By presenting a comprehensive introduction both to RTAs in general, and by providing comprehensive introductions to many RTAs that are in force throughout the world today, Professor Gantz has written a text that should be used by both practitioners and students who wish to gain an understanding of RTAs and their relationship with international trade and foreign relations. Is there, then, a shortcoming of Regional Trade Agreements? Indeed, there are – as there is of any book. First, Regional Trade Agreements leaves the reader wanting more. By design, the book provides a brief introduction to RTAs. Arguably, restricting the work to 507 pages is actually the greatest of advantages. Within that page constraint, the introduction is very thorough, and many important agreements are reviewed. Second, there is the inconvenience of the occasional typo, which might break the otherwise breezy flow of the prose. However, most readers appreciate that typos happen, particularly in a first edition book. All-in-all, Regional Trade Agreements has been a very worthwhile read, and the next edition, should there be one, will be even better.