Watch the two video (link is in the Discussion Board):
A 10-minute Ted Talk video on Trade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v3uqD1hWGE
A 4-minute explanation between the IMF and the World Bank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN3qrFA4jXc
Topic- Economic Globalization versus Economic Nationalism:
Part I: What are the competing ideologies of mercantilism, liberalism (economic), and Marxism? Briefly summarize each in your own words and provide an example of a state using each of the three.
Part II: If free trade is so good, why is it so controversial? Why do governments engage in protectionism, policy intervention to limit trade? What are Global Trade Deals really about, according to the Ted video? Do you agree or disagree, and why? 400 WORDS
Part I:
Mercentilism is an economic doctrine that argues for a country to obtain as much wealth and power as possible through the accumulation of gold and silver, restrictive trade practices such as tariffs, and favorable balance of trade. This can be done by encouraging exports while limiting imports, thus generating a positive balance of payments from foreign countries. An example would be the United States under President Trump’s protectionist policies like tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
Liberalism (economic) is an ideology which believes in free markets with limited government interference. It emphasizes the importance of supply-and-demand dynamics in driving prices, production levels, and output decisions in both private enterprise and competitive markets. According to this ideology, governments should refrain from interfering too much with economic processes or intervening excessively in market operations. Examples include the deregulation of various industries in many developed countries around the world such as the U.S., UK, Canada etc., where businesses are allowed to compete freely without excessive government restrictions on their activities.
Marxism is an ideological approach based on Karl Marx’s theories about class struggle between capitalists who own capital goods/assets (bourgeoisie) and workers who do not (proletariat). Marxism claims that capitalism has created exploitative relations between workers and owners because owners have all decision-making power while workers have no control over their labor or how it is utilized by capitalists for profit making purposes; therefore socialism needs to replace capitalism so that workers can become liberated via collective ownership over labor means rather than wage slavery system rooted within capitalist systems. An example would be China’s state owned enterprises under Mao Zedong during his Cultural Revolution period when most businesses were nationalized into collectives owned by worker cooperatives with no outside investors or shareholders involved thus eliminating capitalist exploitation over labor forces present within Chinese economy during those years prior to Deng Xiaoping’s reforms which transformed Chinese economy into managed free market based one instead of Marxist influenced centralized command economy type prevalent before 1980s era reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping himself.
Part II: Free Trade has been controversial since it’s inception due primarily to its effects on domestic industries/jobs loss overseas when companies outsource production due lower wage costs abroad compared to relatively higher wage expenses domestically leading towards job losses at home & profits increases internationally for companies engaging into offshore business opportunities due cheaper potentials present abroad . Other sources contributing towards controversy regarding free trade deals include inadequate enforcement mechanisms & lack proper dispute resolution process entailed within agreements leading towards major powers taking advantage smaller countries unable resist them due lack resources & knowhow necessary defending oneself against powerful entities hence creating unfair trading environment for weaker participants involved actual process itself further adding fuel fire existing grievances among general public against free trades deals pushed forth upon them often times despite widespread protests indicating clear lack support even after heavy promotion campaigns launched behalf governments engaging into negotiations with other partners future agreement proposals.. Global Trade Deals are meant promote mutual beneficial exchanges respective economies involving multiple parties depending upon size deal itself ranging few small nations reaching up giant multinational organizations like WTO consisting almost entire world’s population represented therein accordingly offering them chance expand customer bases simultaneously opening up access cheap materials needed manufacture products at low cost ensuring revenues streams coming side accruing greater overall gains end day regardless whether particular deal results net deficits trading partner country still being profitable company wise given ability sell product more cheaply compared competitors others still charging higher price tags same items likely having edge remain afloat thanks low overhead costs associated production activities maintaining healthy bottom lines thereby meaning global trades good investment provided structure correctly order gain maximum benefit out transactions themselves without leaving any major loopholes behind allowing unscrupulous individuals capitalize these instances taking advantage rest involved doing wrong way secondarily enriching themselves effortlessly via back door dealings corrupt nature eventually leading social unrest massive scale followed socio-economic instability amongst people suffering indirectly result greedy actions perpetrated handful few privileged ones sitting top pyramid controlling all resources available below surface cannot reach nor utilize unless permission granted front original source beneath current situation observed societies throughout world today all types showing extreme concentration wealth hands minority ruling classes benefiting greatly international alliances made part everyday lives us all yielding greater profits large corporations dominating core industrial segments worldwide despite numerous attempts close gap widening divide shrinking groups middle class whom powerless impact distribution assets spectrum whatsoever causing frustration among masses unable find solutions better living standards same increasing poverty incidents witnessed creeping practically everywhere signifying failure modern globalized system bring about fair society globally where everyone treated equal rights ensured existence safe secure environment conducive growth prosperity shared equally among members communities engage actively participating open market commerce resourcefully effectively pursuing further success maintain sustainable development mutually benefitting collective whole now future generations come yet await answer crucial question what shall come next?