Globalization’s Last Gasp (?)

Finally, an article on trade that discusses both its merits and shortcomings. I am posting this for those members who are wishing to see an opponent cut some slack for Trump's positions without demagoguery; in this case, international trade. The article does not support Trump's most polemic campaign statements, but does follow an argument and conclude in ways Trump supporters might find to be a reasoned and informed take:

Quote:

In short, had economists gone public with the caveats, uncertainties, and skepticism of the seminar room, they might have become better defenders of the world economy. Unfortunately, their zeal to defend trade from its enemies has backfired. If the demagogues making nonsensical claims about trade are now getting a hearing – and, in the US and elsewhere, actually winning power – it is trade’s academic boosters who deserve at least part of the blame.

Perhaps we might rationally discuss trade, and leave off the other stuff for a while. I believe Trump's many supporters here, after complaining about tirades in other threads, might welcome a review of this and closely related issues. This is a challenge of another sort, now; to a sane discussion of how complex international trade works, the many other ancillary economic trends also impacting employment and wage levels, and how any of these might affect jobs. In light of discovery, we might then compare and contrast policy objectives of our own or Trump's.

I picked this area because it is not one of "the sky is falling," or "racism," but because trade is central and core to future growth and well-being, no matter who you support. Mistakes in this area will not trigger the death of humankind, although we could see another major economic crisis. So, were Americans shafted? What is good and bad about intl. trade? Who benefits? In your view, what new or different policies should the new president implement, and specifically, why?

I believe this other very recent article, Globalization's Last Gasp, is helpful as well. I used its title for the OP, frankly, because it's catchy.

Short list of issues:
- currency manipulation
- localized negative imbalances from positive global factors; what to do
- social dumping (not just for SJWs!)
- taxation of supranational corporations
- offshore tax havens and/or other 'distortions' that may lessen the positive socioeconomic effects of trade
- integrated global supply chain management
- free vs fair trade, vs customs unions: what it all means
- international trade and the Rust Belt voter's interests

[Caveat: Time differences may mean by the time this gets any reply, I'm off to bed. Also, big workload these days. All to say, I'll be back soon to see if there is any interest in this topic.]

via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/2gquqwX