Faculty of International Law Hosts Seminar on Multilateral Trade Law in the Post-Globalization Era

Hanoi, May 12, 2025 — On Monday, the Faculty of International Law at The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam hosted an insightful seminar titled "Multilateral Legal Framework of International Trade and the Challenges of the Post-Globalization Era", featuring renowned scholar Dr. Lý Vân Anh, Deputy Director of the Chair on New Challenges of Economic Globalization (NEME) at Université Laval, as the keynote speaker. The seminar attracted lecturers and over 70 students from the Faculty of International Law.

In her presentation, Dr. Lý Vân Anh addressed how the once-dominant multilateral trading system, centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO), is facing increasing fragmentation and geopolitical stress. She identified key trends, including the paralysis of the WTO Appellate Body, emerging regional treaties, and threats from the US to other economies, to provide precise evidence that the multilateral legal order is under strain. Dr. Lý Vân Anh also added diverse insights from scholars at NEME to the presentation.

Following the presentation, a dynamic and thought-provoking Q&A session unfolded, offering students and faculty a rare opportunity to engage directly with complex and timely issues ranging from WTO reform and the proliferation of regional free trade agreements to the intricate legal challenges posed by major powers. The discussion underscored the necessity for Vietnam to demonstrate strategic resilience and diplomatic finesse in navigating an increasingly fractured global trade landscape.

The event is part of the Faculty’s ongoing effort to deepen understanding of international law’s role in a complex global order and to foster critical thinking among future legal professionals.