[DoughtyOne]

Some of the comments used to support this rabid free trade were directed at the idea of creating a more stable international situation. I didn’t buy into it then, and I think it’s fairly evident that it hasn’t worked.

[jas3]

Some of the comments used to support this rabid free trade were directed at the idea of creating a more stable international situation. I didn’t buy into it then, and I think it’s fairly evident that it hasn’t worked.

Free trade creates value for both sides, true. And nations that trade freely with each tend not to fight wars against each other. So in that sense free trade does promote international stability.

Frederic Bastiast said "if goods don t cross borders, armies will," because throughout history, tariffs have been a primary cause of war.

But free trade won't prevent any one or any group of countries from enacting poor local fiscal policies.

Complaining about free trade not preventing the credit contraction of 2007-2009 is a more than a tad off target.

jas3