The Freedom of Trade

[GamezRule]

I've been thinking lately about a very important topic in the modern world, free trade. Personally, I happen to agree with nearly everything stated in this link, even if it is coming from a Republican website. If I may ask, what are the various opinions in CFC regarding trade policy?

 

[Ajidica]

It depends based on the economy and the comodity subject to free trade along with a whole host of other issues.
So I'll just say my opinion varies depending on the situation being discussed.

 

[GamezRule]

I should elaborate that I'm speaking about western countries pursuing a policy of free trade.

 

[Save_Ferris]

I should elaborate that I'm speaking about western countries pursuing a policy of free trade.

I think he meant the object being traded. For example, I wouldn't want people buying and selling nukes.

 

[History_Buff]

It's a pretty solid idea. But there are cases when it is not the best course of action. Each case must be seen on it's own merits.

Also, did you deliberately word the poll to match the Victoria 2 event?

 

[JollyRoger]

I'm not so sure Redstate would be on board with free trade when we start talking about selling one's labor. It seems they are for being able to purchase labor from around the globe, but put restrictions on who can come here and sell their labor.

 

[Goodfella]

I went with the third but I'd rather it say "many or most" rather than "some".

 

[Leoreth]

European democratic-socialist regimes that pay subsidies

Stopped reading

Voted "depends". Free trade is advantageous for and between developed economies. Not so much for developing ones.

 

[JohnRM]

It depends based on the economy and the comodity subject to free trade along with a whole host of other issues.
So I'll just say my opinion varies depending on the situation being discussed.

Very much this.

 

[Yeekim]

I don't think any nation has ever became relevant industrial power without first using protectionist policies.
Those who have succeeded at that, naturally switch to Free Trade rhetoric to protect their advantage.

 

[Agent327]

'Freedom of trade' is an illusion, and always has been. Only governments lacking the means do not regulate trade.

 

[GoodSarmatian]

I'm generally pro market and pro globalization, but I have no interest in a market that a free market proponent would call 'free' or trade that a free trade proponent would call 'free'.
The most successful countries in the world get others to open their markets through propaganda or coercion while protecting their own.

 

[amadeus]

Free trade is always good.

 

[Quackers]

I'm generally pro market and pro globalization, but I have no interest in a market that a free market proponent would call 'free' or trade that a free trade proponent would call 'free'.
The most successful countries in the world get others to open their markets through propaganda or coercion while protecting their own.

go on tell us more i'm curious. what is free for you and why are the rest doing it wrong.

 

[JohnRM]

Free trade is always good.

Done wonders for the US.

 

[luiz]

Free trade is always good.

Agreed.
Most arguments against free trade are very easily demonstrable as fallacies. The arguments that aren't very easily demonstrable as fallacies are moderately easy to demonstrate as fallacies.

 

[GoodSarmatian]

go on tell us more i'm curious. what is free for you and why are the rest doing it wrong.

The rest ?

Doing it right means opening your markets for goods you can't produce cheaply and/or can get from multiple different countries without risk of being dependant on a monopolist while at the same time protecting certain developing sectors from foreign competition until they are competitive and can go international (basically what Japan and other Asian countries did with electronics and cars).

Opening all your markets and trying to compete with the highly industrialised economies of the West is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Integral]

On net, free trade is a Good Thing.

 

[Crezth]

Eliminate nations altogether and free trade will rock socks. Who am I to say "hey you cant give him that, unless you give me some stuff."

 

[Ramius75]

Its good to trade.... much much better than robbing... or force people to 'sell' you things with fiat money...