From Treaty-Making to Treaty-Breaking

A unique analysis of ASEAN's method of concluding external trade agreements with non-ASEAN states, with clear alternatives for the future.

Written for academics and practitioners working in international economic and trade law, this is the first high-level study of ASEAN's policy of concluding external trade agreements with non-ASEAN states. It outlines the intended, and unintended, consequences of ASEAN's prevailing trade agreement practice and suggests clear alternatives for the future.From Treaty-Making to Treaty-Breaking is the first high-level analysis of ASEAN's external trade agreements with non-ASEAN states. It clearly sets out the intended, and unintended, consequences of ASEAN's prevailing method of treaty making, with suggested guidelines for the future. The book begins by asking whether ASEAN trade agreements follow worldwide trends in the substantive content of such agreements. It raises questions such as: to what extent is it possible to continue concluding trade agreements through individual member states?; what are the legal consequences - from negotiation and conclusion (treaty-making) through to possible breach of the agreements (treaty-breaking)?; should ASEAN resort to mixed treaty-making? This study does not seek to give a definitive answer to these questions, rather it opens up the topic to readers by suggesting different possible models for ASEAN trade agreements. This thought-provoking book will appeal to anyone interested in trade negotiations and trade agreements, particularly in Asia.