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? 500-600 words
Part I:
Mercantilism is an economic policy and ideology which advocates for government control over domestic and foreign trade in order to maximize national wealth. This includes policies such as tariffs, subsidies, monopolies, taxes and regulations imposed on imports or exports. An example of a state using this would be the United States during its industrialization period in the late 19th century when it implemented a number of protectionist policies to develop its economy through tariffs on imported goods.
Liberalism (economic) is an economic ideology which favors free markets and laissez-faire policies. It holds that government intervention should be limited with only enough regulation necessary to protect property rights and promote honest business practices. An example of a state using this would be Hong Kong in recent times where they have abolished many forms of protectionist regulations allowing their economy to grow rapidly with open markets.
Marxism is an economic theory founded upon the writings of Karl Marx who advocated for public ownership of the means of production by working class citizens with no private ownership or exploitation by capitalists. An example of a state utilizing this was Cuba during Fidel Castro’s rule whereby he nationalized most companies within their industry sectors leading to increased wages, access to education and healthcare for most working class citizens within the country.
Part II: Free trade allows countries access to resources from across borders as well as international investment opportunities, resulting in lower prices for products/services overseas due to increased competition along with improved living standards for citizens through job creation among other benefits; however it also has potential drawbacks including decreased job security domestically due to cheaper labor abroad amongst other concerns relating labor rights & environmental issues etc., which can lead governments into engaging into protectionism – policy interventions designed mostly in defense against ‘unfair’ foreign competition via import restriction measures like quotas & tariff walls making imported goods more expensive than local ones usually raising revenue at same time too – although these tend not create true long term prosperity within countries because they reduce innovation & growth overall thus making them less competitive on world stage instead actually costing taxpayers money rather than helping local populations generally speaking(especially considering high administrative costs associated w/collection). The Ted video suggests Global Trade Deals are really about creating rules so both sides gain something while still leaving room 4 larger multinational corporations 2 exploit loopholes etc.(not unlike capitalism itself). In my opinion it makes sense 2 have some sort 4 oversight but unfortunately big business gets more say then individual workers so there’s always gonna b people disadvantaged one way another regardless regarding these agreements yet agreement between nations does offer structure 4 everyone involved giving hope4 better standard living all around ultimately particularly if all parties adhere2 agreed conditions obviously!