Professor Sonia E. Rolland Brings Together Leading Experts in Book Examining Trade Law and Development

09.03.25 — Trade law operates within complex dynamics between states, people and businesses, yet traditional approaches often overlook the human actors at its center. In Research Handbook on Trade Law and Development (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2025), Professor Sonia E. Rolland brings together global experts who articulate contemporary research on the linkages between trade governance, sustainability, food security, intellectual property, industrial policy, the digital economy and more.

“I wanted this book to take a different approach and focus on how trade rules affect individuals and groups, such as women and Indigenous Peoples, businesses large and small, local governments and central governments in emerging countries,” said Rolland, who has published widely in English and French on sustainable development in international economic law. “Conversely, the book also shows how each of these constituencies can and does influence the making of trade law, and how trade governance can be designed to address their needs.” Rolland is particularly proud that every contributor to this book has deep policy experience as well as scholarly credentials: “The chapter authors present diverse views grounded in their respective legal, economics, business and public policy backgrounds. This is a book that truly centers on those in the frontlines of leveraging trade for development.”

The Research Handbook on Trade Law and Development offers options for developing countries in the global trading system, featuring case studies from across Africa, the Americas and Asia, including Small Island Developing States. It seeks to empower vulnerable groups ranging from women and Indigenous Peoples to small and micro entrepreneurs, as well as investors from emerging countries through an equitable approach to trade relations. An essential resource for scholars on international trade and development, the handbook also offers unique insights on alternative approaches to trade law and negotiations that will benefit international policymakers and business executives.

Ujal Singh Bhatia, former chairman of the World Trade Organization’s Appellate Body, says the book is “‘an innovative examination of the trade law–development relationship providing center-stage to the diverse perspectives of actors in developing countries. The evolving global dynamics lend urgency to calls for amending the trade rulebook with development and equity as a central theme. This book is an important contribution toward such an endeavor.”

Rolland’s previous books include Emerging Powers in International Economic Law — Cooperation, Competition and Transformation (with David M. Trubek) (Cambridge University Press, 2019), and Development at the WTO (Oxford University Press; hardbound 2012, paperback 2013). Sonia E. Rolland is a Professor of Law and Business at Northeastern University School of Law and the D’Amore-McKim School of Business.

About Northeastern University School of Law

The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,100 employers worldwide in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.

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