We develop a political economy model to study the decision of representative democracies to join a preferential trading agreement (PTA), distinguishing between free trade areas (FTA) and customs unions (CU). Our theoretical analysis shows that bilateral trade imbalances and income inequality are important factors determining the formation of PTAs, whereas the patterns of geographic specialisation explain whether a CU or an FTA will emerge. Our empirical analysis -- using a comprehensive panel dataset spanning 187 countries over the period 1960-2015 -- provides strong support for these predictions.

These experts present a lively discussion of the pros and cons of the proposals for a flat tax, think through the likely effects of such a radical change, and make clear what can seem a confusing array of facts and figures.

This volume assembles a stellar group of scholars and experts to examine preferential trade agreements (PTAs), a topic that has time and again attracted the interest of analysts. It presents a discussion of the evolving economic analysis regarding PTAs and the various dysfunctions that continually place them among the priority items for (re)negotiation by the WTO. The book explores recent empirical research that casts doubt on the old 'trade diversion' school and debates why the WTO should deal with PTAs and if PTAs belong under the mandate of the WTO as we now know it.

"Essays in this volume were presented originally at a conference organized jointly by the American Enterprise Institute, Washington, D.C., and the Center for International Economics at the University of Maryland at College Park on June 12-13, 1996"--Pref. Includes bibliographical references and index.

Since the early 1990s there has been an explosion of preferential trade agreements between North and South. Arguing that this is based on competition for investment opportunities rather than free trade, Mark Manger offers a new perspective on the roles of the state and corporations in changing patterns of international trade.

The Oxford Handbook of the Politics of International Trade surveys the literature on the politics of international trade and highlights the most exciting recent scholarly developments. It examines the impact of domestic societal actors, domestic institutions, and international interactions on trade policy and trade flows, as well as building on this basic analytical framework. Including contributions from prominent scholars around the globe, and from multiple theoretical and methodological traditions, the volume considers the development of concepts and policies about international trade; the influence of individuals, firms, and societies; the role of domestic and international institutions; and the interaction of trade and other issues, such as monetary policy, environmental challenges, and human rights. Showcasing both established theories and findings and cutting-edge new research, the Handbook is a valuable reference for scholars of political economy.