Global Policy Institute Annual Lecture 2026

Topic: Trade Law in an Age of Trade War

 

Abstract

In recent years, the United States has dramatically shifted its approach to international trade, moving away from established multilateral rules and embracing a more unilateral, transactional strategy. This has included the imposition of higher tariffs, selective trade deals, and a willingness to disregard long-standing principles such as unconditional Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. These actions have unsettled allies and challenged the stability of the global trading system. As the US tests the boundaries of what is acceptable in international trade, the rest of the world faces the challenge of adapting to a less predictable environment. This talk puts the US actions in context and asks what it means for the international trade order.

Speaker

Professor Lorand Bartels MBE (University of Cambridge)

Prof. Lorand Bartels MBE is Professor of International Law in the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge. He was appointed MBE in the 2022 Queen’s New Year Honours List for his services to UK trade policy. Prof. Bartels serves as a general editor of the Cambridge International Trade and Economic Law series and is an editorial board member for several leading international law journals. Prof Bartels practises international and trade law as counsel at Freshfields, and has advised on WTO and FTA law, as well on general international law and EU law, for a number of countries, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector. Prof Bartels has been appointed to several public bodies, including Chair of the UK's Trade and Agricultural Commission, member of the Steering Board of the UK's National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and arbitrator on the roster of arbitrators for disputes under the 2020 UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Chair

Professor Ming Du

Co-Director of Global Policy Institute and Deputy Dean of Durham Law School

 

Discussants

Dr Mathew Nicholson

Associate Professor in International Law, Durham Law School

Professor Petra Minnerop

Professor of International Law and Associate-Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability), Durham Law School

Professor Bruce Wardhaugh

Professor of Competition Law, Durham Law School

 

The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception in the Senior Common Room at Durham Law School.