Why do politicians lie about trade, and what can we do about it?

Free trade and open markets have become negative concepts in current debates in the United States and parts of Europe. Trade agreements are considered a thing of the past, and the general consensus is that countries should instead focus on themselves and decouple, friendshore, and derisk. But is this really an effective strategy?

While politicians in the past have tended to sometimes overplay the importance of a free trade agreement, today they do the opposite, denying the advantages of trade liberalization, partnerships, and increased market access. What can we do to change the narrative?

Joining this episode of Trade Winds are:

HOST

Cecilia Malmström
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE)

GUESTS

Jennifer Hillman 
Professor, Georgetown Law School; Senior Fellow, Council of Foreign Relations

Dmitry Grozoubinski 
Former Trade Negotiator for Australia; Executive Director, Geneva Trade Platform; Author,  Why Politicians Lie About Trade ... and What You Need to Know About It