Introduction

Abstract This chapter examines the evolution of international trade, the applicable law in international contracts, and the rationale for uniform and harmonized law. It outlines the sustained growth of global trade, driven by containerization, services, and new regional dynamics, despite protectionist measures. The chapter discusses how parties choose dispute resolution mechanisms—including courts, arbitration under the New York Convention, and mediation under the Singapore Convention—and how substantive law is determined through party autonomy or conflict of laws rules. It highlights why uniform laws, such as UNCITRAL and UNIDROIT instruments, benefit international commerce by providing accessible, multilingual legal frameworks and predictable outcomes. The chapter also explores how linguistic, cultural, and legal diversity, unequal bargaining power, and unpredictability of domestic laws create a need for harmonized solutions.