In: Economics
Of the trade theories we discussed in class choose one trade theory that features the role of government and one trade theory that does not. Comparing the two trade theories, outline which theory best represents the advantages and disadvantages of completely free international trade. In your answer justify why you chose this theory.
Trade Theories- With & Without Government
Mercantilism is considered as the oldest version of trade theory
existed in the economy. The theory believed that a nation’s power
and wealth is determined by the level of increased exports and thus
increasing the involvement in the trade. Being gold the medium of
transaction, the nation with highest amount of gold could be
considered as the wealthiest. Since the government was able to
intervene, nations tried to import less so as to maintain the
stability for a wealthy nation. This led to export failure for many
countries since they lack demand for their exports. Also, colonized
countries were much exploited by charging high for their imports
and paying very less for their exports.
Comparative advantage theory calls for the kind of trade that a
nation could be involved in, with the advantage that they may pose
when compared with others. This helps nation to export commodities
in which they have less opportunity cost. With no government
intervention the theory claims for the best for every nation since
the chance of everyone to export become high. Since the comparative
advantage is considered, the nations would also be interested in
imports of commodities on which they do not pose comparative
advantages.
Among the both, Comparative advantage theory represents the best
for the advantages and disadvantages for free government
intervention. Since, the theory calls for free tariffs, imports
will not be discouraged which could help the comparative advantages
of every nations, which is an important advantage to be considered.
The disadvantage is the inability of nations to find the best
commodity in which they may have comparative advantage. If the
market fails to find one, it’s the government only can help to
provide by intervening in the market and decisions.