In the constructive tradition of being critical

Purpose – The special issue aims to look into what it means to be critical in relation to international business. Design/methodology/approach – Gives an overview of articles submitted by experts in the field. Findings – Finds that old practices of international trade are out of touch in the modern world and that new practices need to be agreed in order to make international trade work for all. Originality/value – Collectively, these papers provide a response to what it means to be “critical” in relation to international business and in doing so will provide a useful touchstone to those who wish to make contributions to this new journal.