free trade

Global trade has boosted the world economy and brought enormous increases in overall wealth. At the same time, however, the distribution of the world s wealth has become increasingly unequal, and the gap between rich and poor nations has widened. The fair trade movement seeks to improve the livelihoods of impoverished Third-World farmers and workers by making global trade more equitable. Fair trade programs aim to provide a fairer price for goods produced in the developing world and to promote better working conditions and higher environmental standards. This book explores the history and goals of the fair trade movement in the context of recent trends in global poverty and inequality. It compares fair trade to free trade, discusses relevant criticisms of both systems, and provides case studies of specific fair trade products to evaluate the impact of fair trade on developing nations and the global marketplace. Each title in this series contains color photos throughout, maps, and back matter including: a chronology, a detailed index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

This book discusses all aspects of world trade, introducing economic concepts in general and discussing the development of international trade, including key trade organizations, and related issues such as labor standards and environmental protection.

Explores international economic integration, globalization, and free trade in the United States and abroad; and provides related primary source documents and research tools.

Provides an overview of fair trade, discussing its emergence, goals, and benefits; whether or not it has been accepted by Americans or is actually fair; and if it can be improved.

Argues that the global free trade policies enacted by the U.S. government have led to the decline and fall of the American middle-class; provides information about the history of free trade; and offers advice from the author on how to restore the country.

Past, present and future trade politics including NAFTA and GATT.

An introduction to money and trade that covers topics such as supply and demand, organizations that ensure fair trade, and the impact of pirates on world trade.

A collection of essays about the North American Free Trade Agreement taken from a conference on the labor, industry, and government perspectives of the agreement.

Explores the origin and complexities of the international treaty between Mexico, the United States, and Canada and examines the effects of NAFTA particularly upon Mexican and American society.