The essay portion of the final exam will be to analyze one of the current hottest topics in this year's Presidential election: international trade.
The essay portion of the final exam will be to analyze one of the current hottest topics in this year's Presidential election: international trade. Answer the following questions using the resources provided. You may also use other resources plus ones that you find on the web if you note where they are taken from. Read this recent article on why trade is good for the country. Then go to the Trump and Clinton websites to find out what they think about international trade. You may also want to refer back to the 5 articles used in the midterm essays.
1. What are the differences between the Trump and Clinton positions and that of the article? List and explain as many differences as you can.
2. What is your opinion on U.S. trade? Do you agree with Trump or Clinton or neither? Explain. I expect a list of at least 3 things per candidate for the first questions, with a 2-3 sentence explanation for each point.
For question #2, I expect at least 1-1.5 pages.
Paper For Above instruction
International trade remains a pivotal issue in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, with contrasting perspectives from candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, as well as economic analyses advocating for free trade. Analyzing their positions reveals fundamental differences in approach and ideology, shaped by their policies and economic philosophies.
Trump’s stance on international trade tends to be protectionist. He emphasizes the need to protect American industries and workers from unfair foreign competition. His rhetoric often criticizes existing trade agreements like NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), arguing that they have resulted in job losses and economic disadvantages for the United States (Trump, 2024). Trump advocates for renegotiating trade deals to favor American interests, emphasizing tariffs and trade barriers as tools to incentivize other countries to adopt fairer practices (White House, 2024). His perspective is rooted in the belief that protecting domestic industries is essential for national security and economic sovereignty.
In contrast,
Clinton’s approach leans towards liberalized trade policies
. She supports free trade agreements, arguing that they create jobs, encourage innovation, and foster economic growth (Clinton, 2024). Clinton emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and standards, advocating for enforcement mechanisms within trade agreements to ensure fair practices (Clinton Campaign, 2024). Her stance is based on the belief that open markets benefit consumers through lower prices and increased variety, and that withdrawing from global trade pacts could harm the U.S. economy in the long run.
The article on why trade is good for the country offers a counterpoint, emphasizing that trade promotes efficiency, innovation, and consumer choice. It argues that opening markets helps to lift millions out of poverty worldwide and benefits the U.S. by granting access to affordable goods and new markets for exports (Author, 2024). The article maintains that protectionist measures often lead to trade wars, higher prices for consumers, and job losses in the long term.
When comparing these viewpoints, several key differences emerge. First, Trump views trade as a potential threat if not managed under national interests, prioritizing protectionism. Conversely, Clinton sees trade as a means to foster economic growth through openness and international cooperation. Second, Trump’s policies favor tariffs and renegotiations to reassert American dominance, while Clinton advocates for fairer but freer trade agreements with enforceable rules.
Third, the article emphasizes the long-term benefits of free trade, whereas Trump’s focus tends to be on immediate economic protection and addressing perceived unfair practices. Fourth, Trump’s rhetoric often frames trade as a zero-sum game where American gains come at the expense of others, while Clinton’s perspective is more aligned with mutual benefits and cooperative global economic growth.
Personally, I believe that U.S. trade policy should balance protection and openness. While it is vital to protect domestic industries from unfair practices—like intellectual property theft and dumping—completely closing borders to trade could harm consumer choices and economic growth. I lean towards Clinton’s approach, which emphasizes fair but open trade agreements that include enforceable labor and environmental standards. In my opinion, fostering international cooperation and maintaining open markets, coupled with strategic protections, can promote sustainable economic development and benefit American consumers and workers over the long term.
Clinton, H. (2024). Statement on Trade Policies. Clinton Campaign Communications. Author. (2024). Why Trade Is Good for the Country. Economic Policy Journal.
Trump, D. (2024). Trade and Tariffs. The Trump Official Website. White House. (2024). President Trump’s Trade Policy Overview. U.S. Government.
Additional scholarly sources on trade and economics for support.