Teaching code

4S02468

Teacher

Giulia Bazzoni

Coordinator

Giulia Bazzoni

Credits

6

Also offered in courses:

• International Trade Law of the course Combined Bachelor's + Master's degree in Law

Language

English

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

IUS/13 - INTERNATIONAL LAW

Period

Secondo semestre LM dal Feb 16, 2026 al May 20, 2026.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course deals with the international regulation of trade and investment in the framework of the globalized world economy at the beginning of the second Millennium. The course is in two parts. In the first part, the focus is on the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the main multilateral regulation of trade. The course concentrates on the origins of the multilateral commercial system (ITO and GATT 1947), the WTO institutional framework including the dispute settlement mechanism,  the principles of non-discrimination and the main exceptions thereto, with a particular attention to the regional trade agreements and the so-called new generation of free trade agreements (FTAs). The main subjects are analyzed through case studies of Panels and Appeals Body’s reports. The second part of the course examines the substantive standards for the protection of foreign investment and the related dispute settlement mechanisms under the relevant international treaties (bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and FTAs). The role of private players and the importance of international discipline in economic choices, as well as the relevance of WTO law and international investment law in the EU legal system are also examined. At the end of the course students should be able to: identify, outline and explain the main principles that apply in the field of international trade; identify, evaluate and compare investment protection standards and procedures across countries.

Prerequisites and basic notions

No prerequisites

Program

The introductory part of the course is devoted to providing students with the fundamental concepts of international law, thereby enabling a full understanding of the legal framework of the contemporary global economy. At the outset, attention will be directed to a historical reconstruction of the role played by international economic organizations from the post-Second World War period to the present day, in both regional and universal perspectives. The analysis will focus on the key turning points that have shaped the evolution of the system, from the Bretton Woods agreements to the crisis of the Doha Round, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of economic regionalism.
Substantial attention will be devoted to the World Trade Organization (WTO), whose origins and foundations will be examined, from the 1947 GATT to the establishment of the WTO with the Uruguay Round agreements, and subsequent developments. The discussion will address different models of global economic governance, based on multilateralism, sectoral approaches, and regionalism, as well as the relationship between the European Union and the WTO and the growing role of private actors. Particular consideration will be given to the institutional framework of the WTO and the functioning of its dispute settlement system, together with the fundamental principles of the GATT, namely national treatment and the most-favoured-nation clause. The course will also analyze regulatory regimes concerning dumping, subsidies, and safeguard measures, as well as the sensitive issue of protecting so-called non-trade ends, including human rights, environmental protection, and national security. Furthermore, it will explore the challenges posed by economic regionalism to the multilateral system, while also addressing the most recent developments linked to the resurgence of protectionism, from trade wars to the coronavirus pandemic, with a specific focus on the tariff policies adopted by the Trump administration, the European outlook, and ongoing disputes.
The second part of the course will be dedicated to international investment law, with a focus on the fundamental principles governing the protection of foreign investments and the substantive standards of protection granted to foreign investors. The course will also examine the mechanisms for the settlement of disputes between States and private foreign investors, ranging from the traditional Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system to the more recent Investment Court System (ICS) and the proposed Investment Multilateral Court (IMC).
Finally, to complement the lectures, thematic seminars with external experts will be organized on issues of particular relevance and topicality, such as banking investments and the legal implications of artificial intelligence in the field of international economic law. Furthermore, current‐affairs workshops will be offered during the lectures with active student involvement.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The teaching method combines lectures with the presentation and discussion of specific cases and topics based on the materials made available on the Moodle platform during the course.

Learning assessment procedures

The examination is designed to assess the student’s ability to conduct legal analysis of the main topics covered in class and of the international law cases relevant to the course in International Economic Law.
For attending students, the assessment will consist of two parts. First, working groups will have the opportunity to present a case selected from those brought before the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, subject to the instructor’s approval, as an integral component of the final evaluation. Second, each student will complete an individual take-home assignment consisting of three open-ended questions, aimed at testing their ability to critically reflect on and apply the knowledge acquired during the lectures.
For non-attending students, the assessment will take the form of a written exam comprising three open-ended questions on the topics covered in the prescribed textbook and in the official course syllabus.

Evaluation criteria

The following will be assessed: - understanding and knowledge of the topics covered in class or examined in the textbook - ability to process and use the knowledge acquired

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade will be expressed out of thirtieths and will be derived from an overall evaluation of the group work and the papers presented at the end of the course for attending students, or from the answers provided in the written assignment for non-attending students.

Exam language

English

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