The articles compiled in this publication are voluntarily eclectic in subject, opinion and geographical focus. They represent the views of a multiple range of experts with contrasting backgrounds originating from all corners of the world. The authors have also been drawn from different generations. They describe a patchwork of forces that drive the multilateral rules-based trading system in the early twenty-first century as well as propose avenues to the understanding of future patterns of international trade. These narratives aim to shed light on the complex nature of global interdependence and to encourage readers to seek further knowledge on issues pertaining to international trade and to its broader implications related to peace and prosperity.

Under the broad heading ‘Peace and Prosperity through Global Trade’, authors were asked to provide an opinionated article on specific topics outlining their vision of the immediate future with an emphasis on poverty reduction, social justice and environmental sustainability. The areas of focus vary greatly from one article to the next. The 2008–2009 global economic crisis in which the articles were drafted and compiled has also had an incidence on analysis and recommendations. The articles have been grouped into five chapters for the sake of clarity but many of the issues are deeply intertwined.

While of diverse opinions, the authors share an active commitment to address the shortcomings of the multilateral trading system and turn it into one of the key global instruments to achieve peace and prosperity. The Evian Group is fond of quoting the fourteenth-century scholar Ibn Khaldun: ‘Through foreign trade, people's satisfaction, merchants’ profits and countries’ wealth are all increased.’ By foreign trade Khaldun meant not only the exchange of goods, but also the exchange of ideas. We hope to have succeeded in the latter.