International Trade

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that increased trade between countries does create wealth; however, the rules of the trade game are such that the wealth being generated by increased level of international trade does not reach all sections of the world in a fair manner. The author argues that there is an urgent need for creating a level-playing field for all in international trade so that the benefits reach everyone; organizations such as the WTO and the IMF, which make and oversee trade rules and international monetary policies, must be purged of the pervasive influence of large multi-national corporations and big business. The paper relates that unprecedented development in the communication and information technologies in the last few decades and the eclipse of communism have given a great boost to international trade; international trade leads to prosperity and development but such trade also gives rise to a number of problems such as increasing inequality and rural poverty.

Table of Contents
The Pros and Cons of International Trade
Reasons Why Increased International Trade is Beneficial
Growing International Trade
Pros: Benefits of Increased International Trade
Growth in Countries that Adopted Free-Trade Policies
Example of the United States
Cons: The Disadvantages
Policies Based on Corporate Interests
Removing the Guiding Hand
How International Free Trade Policies Favor Big Corporations
Corporations Exempt from Free Market Discipline
Inequality
Rural Poverty
Trade and Environment
Analysis of the Arguments
What Should Be Done?
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The colonialist powers, particularly Britain, had realized the benefits of international trade after its industrial revolution although it is highly debatable whether such trade was beneficial for the colonies as well. In the last two decades, international monetary institutions such as IMF and trade organizations, particularly the Word Trade Organization (WTO) have been at the forefront for promoting free international trade. Unrestricted international trade has been touted as the panacea for all economic ills and an agent of development. The results of international trade have, however, been mixed. While supporters of free trade point to several success stories such as China, others point to the growing inequality, economic shocks such as the Asian Economic Crisis of 1997, and the increasing poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa as "fruits" of increased international trade (also known as globalization)."

More papers on International Trade:

• Term Paper # 121106 : "International Trade Simulation"
• Essay # 71449 : "International Trade and Competitiveness"
• Essay # 36297 : "International Trade"

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