Introduction to the COVID-19 Symposium on International Economic Law in the Global South

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all facets of human relations on a magnitude not witnessed in the post-World War II era. Due to the interdependence of countries in the international system, it is not surprising that the unfolding public health crisis has had significant ramifications for the functioning of the global economy as well. In responding to this global health crisis, and the associated fallouts, the academic community has a crucial role to play in finding solutions to the hydra-headed problems we all face. Driven by this sense of urgency and responsibility, AfronomicsLaw put out a call for contributions in April 2020 for a symposium issue focusing on COVID-19 and International Economic Law in the Global South. This Symposium will last for a full four weeks. This paper provides a broad summary of the 37 insightful essays accepted for the symposium issue. The essays have been grouped into four major themes: (1) International Trade and International Investment Law and Policy, (2) Intellectual Property, Technology and Agriculture, (3) Sovereign Debt, Finance and Competition Law, and (4) Governance, Rights and Institutions.