Imports and Peace
Posted by Consumers for World Trade Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:26:00 GMT
Christopher Willen, Legislative Representative
April 5, 2007 -- The Congressional elections last fall highlighted voters' concerns about the effects of international trade on our economy. Unfortunately, not much airtime is being given to the impact of trade for our international security. While it may be clear to many that imports have a positive effect on our standard of living, we often neglect to consider the ramifications of trade on international stability.Our consumption of imports often serves as a springboard for growth in less developed and often volatile countries. Just as we don't feel guilt about giving aid abroad we ought not feel guilty about buying clothes made in Bangladesh or coffee from Colombia. The ability of trade to help spur economic development is indeed the premise behind our trade preference programs, such as the Generalized System Preferences (GSP) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The desperate and squalid conditions that all too often serve as the breeding ground for civil wars and international conflicts recede when markets flourish. Can you imagine a Pol Pot or an Idi Amin rising to prominence in a country of wealth and stability? This is because the development of a vibrant market economy creates an army of stakeholders, whose livelihood depends on stability. Think of the economic impact of even the discussion of a military conflict between the U.S. and China?
Don't take my word for it. Just look across the pond. The hope of deterring conflict through economic ties was the driving force behind the creation of the European Union (EU). In 1950 when French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the predecessor of the EU, he spoke of a Europe where war would one day be "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible." Today, it certainly looks like that is the case.
Thomas Friedman, author of "The Lexus and the Olive Tree," has termed this notion the "Golden Arches Theory of International Relations." He held that no two countries that both have a McDonald's ever fought a war. At the time of publication the conflict between NATO and Serbia, which is of course not an EU member, had yet to occur. Nevertheless, Thomas Friedman's larger point, that as countries open their economies they have a disincentive to engage in conflict seems to be widely accepted.
So if you're feeling odd about buying products from abroad because they are
affordable, keep in mind that you are doing your part to alleviate poverty and
international conflicts. Inexpensive imports, world peace, and a clean conscience,
not a bad deal, eh?
