The trade-development nexus in the European Union : differentiation, coherence and norms

This volume offers new perspectives on the evolution of the trade–development nexus in the European Union against dramatic changes in the international context. Without disregarding them, it seeks to go beyond the controversial and extensively researched Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). In particular, it focuses on the reform of the Generalised System of Preferences, the negotiation of various Preferential Trade Agreements, the application of trade sanctions, the allegedly ambitious agendas on decent work, Aid for Trade and aid untying, and the implications of the changing balance of power in global economic relations. Taking diverse approaches and, at times, reaching different conclusions, contributors directly or indirectly address one or more of the three general themes of the book: differentiation, coherence, and norms. This book was published as a special issue of Contemporary Politics. Although the EU is still the world’s largest market and the biggest aid donor, its policies in the trade-development nexus have been seriously challenged in recent years. This volume offers new perspectives on the evolution of the EU’s trade relations with developing countries, going beyond the controversial and extensively researched Economic P