This book investigates the underlying causes of persistent economic conflicts between the United States and the European Union and evaluates the efficacy of the World Trade Organization in resolving these disputes. Authors Ernst Ulrich Petersmann and Mark A. Pollack, both recognized experts in international economic law and political science, utilize a combination of legal analysis and political theory to examine the structural tensions inherent in transatlantic trade. They argue that while bilateral and multilateral mechanisms exist to mitigate these frictions, significant institutional reforms are required to address the complexities of modern global commerce.

Experts in international trade law frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of legal frameworks and political interests in the WTO era. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous examination of the institutional challenges facing transatlantic relations.