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Curated by Project Syndicate

The Strange Death of Free Trade

28 commentaries

Donald Trump has cast the first protectionist stones by withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and telling Mexico and Canada that he wants to replace NAFTA with bilateral trade agreements. Is the demise of the post-war global economic order now inevitable?

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  1. In Defense of Globalization
    Women in Kinshasa Eduardo Soteras/Stringer

    In Defense of Globalization

    Jan 17, 2017 Jim O'Neill argues that trade is not zero-sum – and that we need more of it if we are to eradicate poverty.

  2. The Challenge of Economic Inclusion
    Cashier in Portland Portland Press Herald

    The Challenge of Economic Inclusion

    Jan 11, 2017 Christine Lagarde proposes steps to address the main challenges policymakers will confront in 2017.

  3. Trump’s Gathering Trade War
    roach72_Johannes Eisele_AFP_Getty Images_trump china Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images

    Trump’s Gathering Trade War

    Dec 26, 2016 Stephen S. Roach foresees disaster in the incoming administration's evident intention to squeeze China.

  4. Investing in a Closed-Border World
    India Economy Narinder Nanu/Stringer

    Investing in a Closed-Border World

    Dec 22, 2016 Christopher Smart foresees how new protectionist measures will compel companies to revamp their business models.

  5. Don’t Cry Over Dead Trade Agreements
    WTO Geneva Fabrice Coffrini/Getty Images

    Don’t Cry Over Dead Trade Agreements

    Dec 8, 2016 Dani Rodrik explains why no one should mourn the passing of the TPP and the TTIP.

  6. Why Multilateralism Still Matters
    Traffic in LA/ USA pollution Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

    Why Multilateralism Still Matters

    Nov 29, 2016 Javier Solana argues that the world is past the point of closed borders and unilateral solutions.

  1. adebajo12_FADEL SENNAAFP via Getty Images_USmilitaryafrica Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty Images

    What Trump’s Return Means for Africa

    Adekeye Adebajo expects a continuation of America's longstanding attitude of benign neglect toward the continent.
  2. hodgkins1_Ulet IfansastiGetty Images_mine Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images
    Free to read

    The False Promise of “Responsible Mining”

    Chelsea Hodgkins lambasts a corporate-led voluntary global standard that would harm communities and pose risks for automakers.
  3. elerian175_Spencer PlattGetty Images_nyse Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    A Baseline Scenario for the Global Economy in 2025

    Mohamed A. El-Erian

    In 2024, global geopolitics and national politics have undergone considerable upheaval, and the world economy has both significant weaknesses, including Europe and China, and notable bright spots, especially the US. In the coming year, the range of possible outcomes will broaden further.

    offers his predictions for the new year while acknowledging that the range of possible outcomes is widening.
  4. ruto6_LUIS TATOAFP via Getty Images_africafloods Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images

    A New Deal for Developing Countries

    William Ruto explains what climate-vulnerable Africa will need to strengthen their resilience and sustain economic growth.
  5. mazzucato78_James Glossop - WPA PoolGetty Images_starmerinvestment James Glossop/WPA/Pool/Getty Images

    Good Growth Requires Getting Public-Private Partnerships Right

    Mariana Mazzucato worries that a recently unveiled industrial strategy is not structured properly.
  6. delong266_Michael SwensenGetty Image_musk Michael Swensen/Getty Images

    American Idiots

    J. Bradford DeLong considers the implications of Donald Trump and friends' effort to orchestrate an unnecessary government shutdown.
  7. fischer223_Alexander KoernerGetty Images_bundeswehr Alexander Koerner/Getty Images

    Putin’s Setbacks Are Cold Comfort for Europe

    Joschka Fischer considers the implications of Russia's loss in Syria and Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House.
  8. brown115_WAKIL KOHSARAFP via Getty Images_afghanistanwomen Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images

    Gender Apartheid Is a Crime Against Humanity

    Gordon Brown urges global policymakers to address the Afghan regime’s egregious violations of women and girls' rights.
  9. Matt Gush/Getty Images

    The US Economy’s Trust Deficit

    Michael Spence considers the causes and consequences of Americans’ declining faith in media and government.

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