First, briefly introduce yourself to your group. Where are you from? What is your major? Interests? Likes? Dislikes? Career plans? All answers voluntary. For discussion: Why, INDEED, doesn’t everyone get the case for free trade? What are the arguments for and against free trade? What is your opinion on the matter? Has Rodrik changed your opinion? Or do you disagree with his analysis? *When answering, please change the subject line in your message from “Re: Kick-off Questions” to something that reflects the content of your post. This will make it easier for everyone to see the varied kinds of responses.
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Subject: Free Trade is a Stepping Stone to a Global Society
Topic: Disc 1 – Pink
Author: Nicholas McLin
Date: September 10, 2011 4:03 PM
The majority of people that do not get “the case for free trade” have only taken basic economics. As with all subjects, the beginning courses present the basic ideas and later on in more advanced courses you learn that the “basics” were not as clear cut as you were taught. Arguments for free trade focus on both parties enjoying increased capital and social benefits of trade, along with the fact that free trade opens up workers to perform other tasks and does away with inefficient worker allocation . Those against free trade point out that trade hardly results in both parties benefiting equally so it is better to protect your interests and not those of competitors. I believe that though free trade is harmful in both the short and most likely in the long run, it will help standardize trade agreements and result in a global government that looks out for the well being of the planet not just a sovereign nation. A planetary government would not have to deal with tariffs or free trade due to the fact that they will not have to deal with closed borders. Rodrick has changed my views on free trade, in the sense…