This book brings together international perspectives on free trade issues that affect civil society from the general populace to the governments of nations, and is relevant not only for lawyers, but also policymakers, international actors and businesses, as well as those with a general interest in free trade agreements. The book examines the manifestation of the concept of free trade in agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). It asks whether such agreements are entered into for the purposes of enhancing trading relationships between partner nations, strengthening commercial ties, and fostering economic growth; or are they sometimes used merely for local political outcomes of the most influential nations.

Lillian Corbin is Head of the School of Law at the University of New England, Armidale, Australia. Her research interests lie in legal ethics, legal education, and lawyer regulation.

Mark Perry is Professor in the School of Law at the University of New England, Armidale, Australia. His research focuses on the nexus of technology and law, with a current focus on law in high-tech agriculture, biotechnology, and the governance of data.