Call for Chapters for Edited Book on WTO and Digital Trade by DNLU, Jabalpur

About DNLU, Jabalpur

Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), situated in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, was founded in 2018 under the Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act No. 24 of 2018. The university was established to promote legal education and attain excellence in imparting value-driven legal learning at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

DNLU’s guiding motto, “Satyam Vada Dharmam Char” (Speak the truth and follow Dharma), encapsulates its dedication to justice and ethical legal practice. It aims to equip students with rigorous legal training to help them excel in the legal profession and contribute meaningfully to society.

About CITIL

The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL) at DNLU, Jabalpur, stands as a prominent hub for research, academic inquiry, and policy engagement in the field of international trade and investment law. CITIL fosters collaboration with both national and international bodies, undertakes impactful research, organizes training programs, and actively contributes to the legal discourse. It plays a pivotal role in promoting legal scholarship through publications, research initiatives, and policy suggestions that influence governance and legal frameworks.

About the Book

This edited volume delves into the dynamic relationship between international trade laws and the fast-growing digital economy. As global markets are reshaped by digital platforms, e-commerce, and cross-border data flows, the WTO faces significant challenges in adapting its legal architecture to this digital transformation.

The book thoroughly examines the application of WTO norms to digital trade and identifies crucial areas that demand legal reform. It engages with several sub-themes including the treatment of digital goods and services under WTO rules, the regulatory concerns around digital subsidies, and the unique complexities of enforcing anti-dumping measures on digital products.

Further discussions explore the effects of artificial intelligence and automation on trade, the interplay between digital trade and cybersecurity, and the influence of regional trade agreements on global trade norms. The book also highlights crucial topics like consumer protection, IPRs in the digital space, and the consequences of digital trade for developing nations.

Through this comprehensive approach, the volume seeks to contribute significantly to academic research and policy formulation in digital trade governance. It is aimed at scholars, legal professionals, and policymakers working in the field of international trade law.

About the Opportunity

CITIL is inviting chapter contributions for its upcoming edited volume titled “WTO and Digital Trade”. The book will be published with ISBN credentials and will be a joint initiative between:

CITIL (Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws), DNLU Jabalpur
CWS (Centre for WTO Studies), CRIT (Centre for Research in International Trade), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India

This publication will be guided by:

Dr. Pritam Banerjee (Professor & Head, Centre for WTO Studies, IIFT New Delhi)
Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha (Vice-Chancellor, DNLU)
Dr. Murali Kallummal (Professor, Centre for WTO Studies, Head Admin CRIT, IIFT New Delhi)
Dr. Praveen Tripathi (Registrar & Associate Professor, DNLU)
Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra (Director, CITIL & Assistant Professor, DNLU)
Dr. Amit Randev (Senior Consultant, Centre for WTO Studies)

Suggested Themes

Authors may submit chapters addressing—but not limited to—the following sub-themes:

Compatibility of WTO rules with digitally delivered goods and services
Market access and competition impacts of digital platforms within WTO mechanisms
Prospects for WTO disciplines in e-commerce, data protection, and digital taxation
Digital trade and its relationship with sustainable development goals (SDGs)
Influence of regional trade agreements on digital trade and WTO implications
Role of AI and automation in transforming international trade within WTO purview
Challenges and prospects for developing nations in navigating digital trade under WTO
WTO’s role in governing digital IPR issues
Consumer protection in digital trade under WTO frameworks
Cybersecurity concerns intersecting with global trade norms
Cooperative mechanisms between WTO and other international organizations
Necessity of a comprehensive digital trade framework within the WTO

Note: Authors are welcome to explore topics beyond those listed.

Eligibility

Submissions are open to faculty members, researchers, professionals, and students. Submissions must be original and will undergo a double-blind peer review process. Co-authorship (maximum of 2 authors) is allowed.

Submission Guidelines

Submit an abstract (350–500 words) with a minimum of 5 keywords, and the final paper by May 20, 2025
Include author details (name, designation, institution, email ID, contact number) on the cover page
Format:
- Font: Garamond, size 12, 1.5 line spacing
- Title: 14 pt, ALL CAPS, bold, centered
- Sub-titles: 12 pt, sentence case, bold
- Citation: Footnotes using OSCOLA 4th Edition
- Layout: MS Word format, single-column, justified text
- Word limit: 5,000–7,000 words (including footnotes)
- Plagiarism must not exceed 15%
Submit the final document in both .doc/.docx and .pdf formats
Email submissions to: citil@mpdnlu.ac.in
Use the subject line: “submission-CfP-WTO & digital trade”
In the email body, mention:
- Title of the paper
- Author details (name, designation, affiliation)

Important Dates

Submission Deadline: May 20, 2025
Intimation of Selection: June 15, 2025
Publication & Book Launch: July–August 2025 (Tentative)

Contact Information

Faculty Coordinators

Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra (Director, CITIL & Assistant Professor, DNLU)
Email: utkarsh@mpdnlu.ac.in | Ph: 79050 17038
Dr. Amit Randev (Consultant – Legal, CWS, CRIT, IIFT New Delhi)
Email: amitrcws@iift.edu

Student Coordinators