Issue #3: Do We Really Have Free Trade?
BGEN 360: International Business
INSTRUCTIONS Topic The third issue we will cover in class is the topic of free trade. Does it really exist? The World Trade Organization (WTO) states on its website that “its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible,” and that it helps countries negotiate agreements that are “aimed at reducing obstacles to international trade and ensuring a level playing field for all, thus contributing to economic growth and development.” Yet, the US and China are both members of the WTO and both countries have been engaging in a trade war that just recently eased with the signing of trade agreements in February 2020. How can that be? The purpose of topic is to see what you can find out about the realities of free trade in the world.
Assignment Requirements
The article must be from the last 5 years. One purpose of the assignment is to have you take the time to look at some of the international business newsp
apers and international coverage in business periodicals. For each issue presentation, you should find one article of interest on the assigned topic. The articles should be substantial – meaning a major story (as opposed to one or two paragraphs). You may use more than one article if you find interesting information, but the articles are shorter in length. Use the library’s electronic databases as well as the internet to find current and academically appropriate information. Along with reading the “starter” material mentioned in the introductory paragraph and the material in the textbook surrounding the topic, you should try to use such sources as Business Week, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Financial Times (of London), or an equally significant business publication as your source for your article. You can access some of these sources through the library’s databases. From the link below you can access Business Source Complete which is a good database with many reputable publications like Bloomberg Business Week.