The last years have been characterized by a relative stagnation in global trade, and trade-supporting multilateral institutions have even come under siege. Such retrenchment is ironic in a world where information is more globalized than ever (Figure 3.3). And yet the clouds of trade wars loom large over the horizon, incidentally making of bilateral FTAs beacons of hope. The closing up to trade might be counterbalanced by potent new narratives anchored in economic, financial and technological strength. Does China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have the potential and wherewithal to deliver on global public goods like increases in trade?