Trade and the Uneven Playing Field

Featuring:

Dr. Russell Roberts
Professor of Economics
George Mason University 

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In recent years, the world has seen an increased mobility in people, products, and capital; countries have more interaction with one another than ever before.  As the U.S. plays a larger role in the global economy, the importance of understanding the economics that drive trade and globalization increases.

The ideas of “free trade” and globalization have continually been called into question.  Many U.S. citizens feel so opposed to the ideas that they organize demonstrations at international trade negotiations and claim that bodies like the WTO diminish national sovereignty.  Others tout economic statistics that show how trade deficits are bad for American workers and that U.S. companies exploit weak foreign labor and environmental laws for short-term gains.