Linking Commerce to Geopolitics: The Candidates' Views on Gl
Episode Description
With global financial markets in turmoil, trade will most likely be an urgent concern for the next president. As part of Knowledge@Wharton's ongoing coverage of the upcoming November election, we examine the candidates' views on trade issues. So far, both Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama have tended to follow predictable party lines: McCain is a supporter of free trade and would back additional multilateral trade pacts, while Obama urges a reexamination of trade agreements and their effect on the environment and U.S. workers. 📂 Public Policy
Brief Summary
McCain and Obama have contrasting views on trade policy, particularly regarding NAFTA and international relations.
Key points
- The Changing World of Trade. The discussion around trade is evolving, but political rhetoric remains stagnant. 'The world is changing, and the candidates keep talking about trade using the same old rhetoric.'
- Opportunities in Development. Development is a positive force that creates opportunities rather than taking them away. 'Development is not a zero-sum game; it creates opportunities for everyone.'
- Managing Global Interactions. The US must adapt to global changes rather than retreating into isolation. 'We need to manage how we interact with the rest of the world, not isolate ourselves.'
- The Risks of Protectionism. Protectionism might seem beneficial in the short term, but it has long-term consequences. 'Protectionism may buy you some votes for a while, but it always involves losers.'
- Future Competitiveness of US Labor. US Labor has the potential to be highly competitive in the future. 'The US Labor will be as competitive, if not more competitive, than it has been in the past.'
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Episode highlights
- The Changing World of TradeThe discussion around trade is evolving, but political rhetoric remains stagnant. 'The world is changing, and the candidates keep talking about trade using the same old rhetoric.'“The world is changing, and the candidates keep talking about trade using the same old rhetoric.”8:20Sep 17, 2008
- Opportunities in DevelopmentDevelopment is a positive force that creates opportunities rather than taking them away. 'Development is not a zero-sum game; it creates opportunities for everyone.'“Development is not a zero-sum game; it creates opportunities for everyone.”10:14Sep 17, 2008
- Managing Global InteractionsThe US must adapt to global changes rather than retreating into isolation. 'We need to manage how we interact with the rest of the world, not isolate ourselves.'“We need to manage how we interact with the rest of the world, not isolate ourselves.”14:22Sep 17, 2008
- The Risks of ProtectionismProtectionism might seem beneficial in the short term, but it has long-term consequences. 'Protectionism may buy you some votes for a while, but it always involves losers.'“Protectionism may buy you some votes for a while, but it always involves losers.”14:45Sep 17, 2008
- Future Competitiveness of US LaborUS Labor has the potential to be highly competitive in the future. 'The US Labor will be as competitive, if not more competitive, than it has been in the past.'“The US Labor will be as competitive, if not more competitive, than it has been in the past.”15:41Sep 17, 2008
Tension
45/ 100Some tension
