A readily measurable aspect of globalization is the increasing exchange of capital, products and services across national boundaries, spurred by expanded use of container shipping and other technological improvements as well as falling barrier. The interdependence is most apparent with global supply chains, as manufactured goods like vehicles and electronics are assembled with components produced around the world, and it’s increasingly rare for any country to be the sole source of any one complex product. Countries aim to increase exports but worry about too many imports and trade imbalances, even as their consumers pursue low prices. Disagreements on subsidies, tariffs, quotas or unfair practices are debated by the World Trade Organization.

Strict International Patent Laws Hurt Developing Countries

Are pharmaceutical companies to blame for rising AIDS fatalities?
Amy Kapczynski
December 16, 2002

Why “Fair Trade” Could Backfire for the US

Rather than erect trade barriers, the US must tackle its own bad habits
David Dapice
March 26, 2007

America’s China Worries – Part II

Hobbled by a rising trade deficit and massive debt, Washington seeks some leverage with Beijing
Bruce Stokes
February 8, 2007

US-South Korean Free-Trade Agreement: The Cost of Failure

US influence over major emerging markets has diminished
Bruce Stokes
January 9, 2007

First Contact

China flirted with globalization six centuries before the WTO
Aparisim Ghosh
October 10, 2002

Relax, Democrats Might Not Be So Protectionist After All

Free-trade Democrats are not necessarily an oxymoron
Edward Gresser
November 14, 2006