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Curated by Project Syndicate

The Strange Death of Free Trade

28 commentaries

Donald Trump has cast the first protectionist stones by withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and telling Mexico and Canada that he wants to replace NAFTA with bilateral trade agreements. Is the demise of the post-war global economic order now inevitable?

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  1. In Defense of Globalization
    Women in Kinshasa Eduardo Soteras/Stringer

    In Defense of Globalization

    Jan 17, 2017 Jim O'Neill argues that trade is not zero-sum – and that we need more of it if we are to eradicate poverty.

  2. The Challenge of Economic Inclusion
    Cashier in Portland Portland Press Herald

    The Challenge of Economic Inclusion

    Jan 11, 2017 Christine Lagarde proposes steps to address the main challenges policymakers will confront in 2017.

  3. Trump’s Gathering Trade War
    roach72_Johannes Eisele_AFP_Getty Images_trump china Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images

    Trump’s Gathering Trade War

    Dec 26, 2016 Stephen S. Roach foresees disaster in the incoming administration's evident intention to squeeze China.

  4. Investing in a Closed-Border World
    India Economy Narinder Nanu/Stringer

    Investing in a Closed-Border World

    Dec 22, 2016 Christopher Smart foresees how new protectionist measures will compel companies to revamp their business models.

  5. Don’t Cry Over Dead Trade Agreements
    WTO Geneva Fabrice Coffrini/Getty Images

    Don’t Cry Over Dead Trade Agreements

    Dec 8, 2016 Dani Rodrik explains why no one should mourn the passing of the TPP and the TTIP.

  6. Why Multilateralism Still Matters
    Traffic in LA/ USA pollution Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

    Why Multilateralism Still Matters

    Nov 29, 2016 Javier Solana argues that the world is past the point of closed borders and unilateral solutions.

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    What Explains the BJP’s Rise?

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    Why are there such high expectations for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in India’s ongoing parliamentary election? Simply put, the party is far better organized than its rivals, and its leader, Narendra Modi, is undeniably the most charismatic Indian prime minister in recent memory.

     ennumerates the reasons why the ruling party has come to dominate the country’s electoral landscape.
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    The Zero-Sum Logic Fueling the Rise of Germany’s Far Right

    Dalia Marin thinks that promoting economic growth remains the most effective antidote to nativist sentiments.

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