Description: The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) was created in 1919 by business leaders who described themselves as 'merchants of peace' and whose motto was 'world peace through world trade'. Since then a number of initiatives, including the founding of the WTO in 1995, have provided the proper regulatory conditions for a dramatic increase in world trade. This has generated unprecedented growth and allowed many countries to enjoy great gains in wealth and welfare. Yet despite these gains we are still far from achieving the ICC's goal of world peace through world trade. This book provides a broad overview of the forces that shape international trade and global interdependence, showing business leaders and entrepreneurs how we can address the shortcomings of the multilateral trading system. Most importantly, it shows how we can turn international trade into one of the key global instruments to achieve peace and prosperity in the twenty-first century.
Brief description: Jean-Pierre Lehmann is Professor of International Political Economy and Founding Director of the Evian Group at IMD, Lausanne. Following an academic and consulting career primarily in Asia and Europe, he founded the Evian Group in 1995 and joined IMD in 1997. He frequently participates in global policy forums and is a compulsive writer of articles and briefs on numerous issues related to international economic and political affairs and global governance.
Review Quotes: "Compiled by The Evian Group on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the International Chamber of Commerce, this clear and accessible book walks the reader through the complex dynamics of international trade. It reminds us that much of the global interconnection that we have achieved today was charted by the world's 'merchants of peace' traders, who brought societies ever closer together, by promoting the movement of goods, services and people across the globe. In analysing the challenges that they face in today's turbulent economic times, the book confirms the centrality of trade to peaceful international relations."
- Pascal Lamy, Director General, WTO