When your company ships a product across a border, you step into a web of treaties, institutions, and unwritten political expectations that can either smooth your path or throw up roadblocks. These frameworks are not just for diplomats — they directly affect whether you can compete, how you price your goods, and what happens when a deal goes wrong. This chapter explains the main rules, organisations, and negotiation styles that govern global trade so you can plan your international marketing with confidence and clarity.