The US-China trade war instigated by President Trump has thrown the multilateral trading system into a crisis. Drawing on vast interview and documentary materials, Hopewell shows how US-China conflict had already paralyzed the system of international rules and institutions governing trade. The China Paradox – the fact that China is both a developing country and an economic powerhouse – creates significant challenges for global trade governance and rule-making. While China demands exemptions from global trade disciplines as a developing country, the US refuses to extend special treatment to its rival. The implications of this conflict extend far beyond trade, impeding pro-development and pro-environment reforms of the global trading system. As one of the first analyses of the implications of US-China rivalry for the governance of global trade, this book is crucial to our understanding of China's impact on the global trading system and on the liberal international economic order.

'This timely, original book is a fascinating read. Amidst all the drama, this book is refreshing in its balanced take on US and Chinese positions that trigger this fundamental clash of our time.'

Gregory Shaffer - University of California, Irvine

'At a time when the China-US trading relationship has become as much a security issue as it is an economic one, this analysis of the impact of Sino-American rivalry on the global trade regime argues that China’s rule-making challenge in this area of policy is larger than many commentators assume. The author provides a timely and provocative argument. Deservedly, the book will have a wide readership.'

Rosemary Foot - University of Oxford

'Clash of Powers provides a timely and much-needed critical analysis of the impact of the US-China trade rivalry. Hopewell’s compelling analysis highlights how this clash of powers is largely responsible for paralysis in the global trade regime, with wide-ranging consequences for global cooperation on development and environmental protection.'

Jennifer Clapp - University of Waterloo

'If you are interested in who rules and who sets the rules in global trade, why China and the United States are at loggerheads with one-another, and what the future holds, Clash of Powers is your next must read. Hopewell’s tome is pithy, provocative, and insightful - precisely the kind of book that only deep engagement and clear understanding can produce.'

Rorden Wilkinson - University of New South Wales, Sydney

‘… important contribution … Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students and faculty. General readers.’

M. E. Carranza Source: Choice

‘Clash of Powers is essential reading for trade economists and anyone interested in understanding the U.S.‐China rivalry beyond the stale rising/ declining power narrative.'

Dimitar D. Gueorguiev Source: Political Science Quarterly