Advanced Introduction to International Commercial Contracts

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.

This concise textbook takes a practical and comparative look at international commercial contracts, covering everything from formation and negotiation to enforcement and dispute resolution. It lays out the essentials (offer and acceptance, consideration, party autonomy, and contract interpretation across different legal traditions) while breaking down the complexities of governing law selection and private international law. Instead of centring on a single jurisdiction, it provides comparative insights into major economies and key commercial hubs. Readers will find analysis of common law, civil law, and hybrid systems, along with discussions on how international instruments such as the CISG, UNCITRAL, and UNIDROIT principles shape cross-border agreements.

The book breaks down dispute resolution strategies, covering arbitration, litigation, and international commercial courts, along with the use of forum selection clauses, arbitration clauses, mediation, and hybrid approaches. This Advanced Introduction also provides a thorough analysis of non-waiver clauses, severability, and enforcement mechanisms, helping to ensure contracts hold up across different legal systems. Also considered are force majeure, hardship, penalty, and liquidated damages clauses, showing how these provisions help for the unexpected.

For legal practitioners, business professionals, and students, this book is more than just a reference; it is a practical guide to structuring, negotiating, and enforcing international contracts with confidence.

Julien Chaisse, Professor and RGC Senior Research Fellow, School of Law, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR