The International Trade Policy track focuses on the types of trade policies in current use, their impact on people and economies, and the institutions where trade policies are created, negotiated, disputed, and reshaped.
Historical context is provided on both the evolution of global economic trade relationships and trade policies, and we will meet with a wide range of policy makers and trade experts to learn about their work on pressing trade issues affecting agriculture, labor rights, the environment, and economic development.
This program is open to graduate students who have at least a basic background in micro and macroeconomics, primarily those attending schools of public policy, public affairs, international relations, economics, and public administration. Exceptional undergraduates may be considered if there is space.
About the course
This short course is designed to acquaint you with the basic economics of trade and trade policies, expose you to some of the current trade policy controversies, and introduce you to people in organizations and institutions in Geneva who work on trade policy and development issues. We explore how global value chains operate and the impact on labor and development. Trade in “green” products and services that seek to mitigate carbon emissions has proliferated and we analyze how trade policies are shifting to promote cleaner production methods. Trade policy negotiations have bogged down at the global level, and we examine some of the work-arounds that trade professionals and governments are using to make progress on contentious issues. We engage with trade experts during site visits at a variety of organizations in Geneva, including the World Trade Organization, the International Trade Center, and the International Labor Organization.
During the course week, we also interact with students and faculty in the other tracks at joint site visits, social events, a networking dinner with local alumni, and an end-of-week program reception.
Student Reflections
“ Participating in the International Trade Policy program has allowed me to take a step back from the U.S.-centric context, and look at the issues I care about from a global perspective. As a Taiwanese citizen, the Duke Global Policy Program in Geneva offers a unique opportunity for me to be present in diverse spaces and be involved in these discussions, which I think is invaluable. ” - Angeline Yang MPP '25, Duke Sanford