Overview of Major Institutions and Documents of the International Trade System

Abstract

International trade is an essential aspect of the global economy, founded on a complex legal and institutional system that governs trade relations, dispute settlement, and economic development. This article examines the evolution of international trade law through historical economic treaties, multilateral rules, and regional trade agreements. It analyzes the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the creation of the World Trade Organization in order to evaluate their influence on the modern trading system. The article also considers regional trade agreements, bilateral investment treaties, and trade facilitation measures as important elements of the contemporary trade order. Particular attention is paid to the functions of the WTO, UNCTAD, the IMF, the World Bank, and regional institutions in shaping global economic governance. Finally, the article discusses digital trade, geopolitical fragmentation, and sustainability as challenges that require continued adaptation of international trade law. The analysis shows that legal institutions remain central to ensuring certainty, fairness, and efficiency in international commerce.