International Free Trade and World Peace Essay - 6197 Words

International Free Trade and World Peace When analyzing trade’s effect on state behavior, it is not the mere existence of trade between countries that should be central, rather, the nature of trade that is crucial. This distinction will be explored by studying the arguments of key economic and political thinkers of both the 18th and 20th centuries. The general nature of trade, the role of national government regarding trade and security, trades capacity to befriend belligerent nations, and finally, the influence of international economic institutions will be explored. In an attempt to present a fairly broad range of sources, this study features the ideas of four influential authors from two time periods and continents: from the 18th†¦show more content†¦For example, which countries would one consider practitioners of free trade? The United States, the proverbial torch carrier of open markets and trade liberalization, maintains protectionist policies in several of its sectors such as agriculture. If we were t o succeed in classifying each country according to its openness in trade, how would we tally their conflicts? Again, in the case of the United States, this is particularly problematic. Despite the active roles it has played in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, and Kosovo, the United States has not officially declared war since entering W.W.II. The True Nature of Trade Trades function in promoting peace or inciting conflict is an issue that exposes the fundamental antagonism between economic versus political thought. Until the mid-19th Century, the issue was addressed by the mercantilist school of thought, which focused on the political (defense-related) consequences of trade. Because wealth (or the accumulation of gold) was equated with power, international trade was regarded as a necessary evil, practiced only with the utmost attentiveness to ones partners gains, lest they exceed ones own. In 1776, Adam Smith argued in The Wealth of Nations that the mercantilist system was futile and destructive to society as a whole. By redefining wealth and proclaiming that political influence on trade was detrimental, Smith revolutionized economic thought. For thisShow MoreRelatedPeace Brought from the Modern Economic Structure1445 Words   |  6 PagesIn the modern world the economic structure is believed to help lead to peace and prosperity to all nations. It is stated that though Interdependent economies, when economies become dependent upon trade from foreign nations, and Globalization, the act in which nations begin to integrate their ideas and concepts with one another, war and conflict can be mitigated. War is mitigated through the two phenomena due to the growing trade between nations that demands for nations to agree and play nicely withRead MoreThe Ever Increasing Urgancy for World Peace1421 Words   |  6 Pagesthese killings as â€Å"one mind less, one world less.â₠¬  World peace would be an important goal to work towards. Many wanted to achieve world peace, however, there were many different visions for how this could be accomplished. Despite the many anti-war actions that occurred during the previous centuries, the twentieth century marks the conception of an organized approach to global peace. Advocates of world peace believed that with an ever increasing connected world, military advances, and increasing costRead MoreThe Characteristics Of The Liberal Theory949 Words   |  4 Pageswhich highlights the ideas of democracy, free trade, multilateral cooperation and a rule-based international society that respects sovereignty and human rights (Introduction to Global Politics), to establish an state of freedom and justice, we can clearly identify Japan as a liberal state. I would also divide the liberal theory in four different approaches: first, into the multilateral cooperation and acceptance of the international law and international syst em. Second, the multilateral approachRead MoreLiberalism : The Strongest International Theory871 Words   |  4 Pages Liberalism is one of the dominant international as well as national theories in the world. Despite this, realism also considered the strongest international theory especially last five decades due to international conflicts occurred many times such as war, cold war and terrorism and liberalism was not effective policy. On the other hand, liberalism is still major subject in politics at the present time and it has also been very influential in history of world politics. Initially, it is useful toRead MoreThe World Banks Role and Contribution across the Globe728 Words   |  3 PagesThe World Bank consists of two related institutions, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association. These bodies provide financing to poor countries with the objective of eliminating poverty in the world. The Bank provides financi al products and services where they are needed most, and also contributes to knowledge sharing around the world. World Bank development projects for example include the development of water projects. By helping toRead MoreEssay about The Impact of Globalization on State Relationships879 Words   |  4 Pages Quote from Globalism: The New Market Ideology by Manfred D.Steger, Page 6 One of the biggest questions currently asked in international politics seeks to determine the role that globalization plays in world and its effect on state relationships. While there is debate about the extent to which globalization is occurring and influencing international relations, there is no doubt that countries are becoming more integrated. Simple integration, or exchange across borders, however, isRead MoreInternational Trade Agreements And How Governmental Influences Benefited Trade1231 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscuss the benefits United States (U.S) had by engaging in international trad e agreements and how governmental influences benefitted trade. To regulate international trade between nations, international trade agreements exist. These agreements involve regulating imports, exports and international trade of some specialty goods. The United States have been involved in many international trade agreements including free trade agreements. Free trade Agreements (FTA) helps the United States to open up foreignRead MoreInternational Legal Framework After World War II1254 Words   |  6 Pages2 Rationales for Trade and Investment Treaties (a) drawbacks of international legal framework after world war II After World War II, there were two drawbacks referring to the legal framework of international trade and investment. Firstly, although the GATT did exist as a response of the failure of the International Trade Organization (‘ITO’), it did not have a formal organizational structure to conduct its function. Besides, the GATT only covered goods and yet services, although the latter wasRead MoreFascism : An Authoritarian System That Promotes Radical And Militant Nationalism1228 Words   |  5 Pagespeople. One of the major examples of fascism in the history of international politics is the Nazi Party in Germany during the world war two period. This has played a major role in the development of today’s international politics system. After World War 2, the international system focused on economic growth, keeping the peace and helping rebuild. Nationalism: Nationalism is the pride, loyalty and devotion in one’s nation. After World War 1, Germany felt defeated. Hitler’s rise was predominantlyRead MoreThe United States and Colombia1578 Words   |  6 Pagesand Colombia have had a long standing relationship through the course of history. There have been trade agreements signed by the two parties; also negotiations have taken part in regard to development strategies on the part of the US to promote the rule of Democracy and it’s institutions in Colombia, where illegal armed forces sought to control many aspects of the country’s development. Aside from trade agreements the United States and Columbia have also had agreements related to the protection of