Re: FW: [PEN-L] On free trade Re: Query from a Venezuelan

[Bill Lear <rael@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On Monday, June 23, 2003 at 10:34:16 (-0700) Devine, James writes:
>...
>that's right. It's important to distinguish "free trade" in theory (the
>general lowering of tariffs and quotas on imports and the end of export
>subsidies) and what it usually means in practice (free movement of capital
>but usually not labor, the imposition of US-style intellectual property
>rights on the world, partial lowering of trade barriers (only by those
>countries with less political-economic clout), etc.)
>
>For those who want a critique of "free trade" in theory, see ...

Not to be forgotten is what one might term the "historical" aspect of
so-called free trade policies.  They tend to be pushed by powerful
nations who have a history of fiercely protecting domestic industry
until it can prevail in international markets.  England, Germany, and
the U.S. are among many cases in point.  An older critique is, of
course, Friedrich List, *The National System of Political Economy*,
funded in part (if I remember correctly) by Pennsylvania steel
interests.


Bill