The rise of bilateralism : comparing American, European, and Asian approaches to preferential trade agreements / Kenneth Heydon and Stephen Woolcock.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- The issues : the nature and scope of PTA policy provisions -- Goals and outcomes : US, European and Asian approaches compared -- The effects -- Conclusion.

As multilateral negotiations become increasingly complex and protracted, preferential trade agreements have become the center of trade diplomacy, pushing beyond tariffs into deep integration and beyond regionalism into a web of bilateral deals, raising concerns about coercion by bigger players. This study examines American, European and Asian approaches to preferential trade agreements and their effects on trade, investment and economic welfare. It draws on theoretical works, but also examines the actual substance of agreements negotiated and envisaged.--Publisher's description.