A Take on International Trade and the TCA
Nations that have a McDonald’s are exponentially less likely to engage in armed
conflict with each other. So, is the Big Mac the secret to world peace? Not quite. But
international trade, the method by which ingredients get to each McDonald’s franchise,
requires nations to cooperate, thereby promoting peaceful relations among international
trade partners. It is therefore in a nations' best interest to have a defined trade policy
with as many nations as possible, especially if it wants streamlined access to
international financial services, the newest technology or even a juicy burger. Another
significant benefit of international trade is that it opens channels of global commerce to
everyday citizens. With open international channels, markets are no longer contingent
on the number of customers in the surrounding area. Instead, the entire world is the
market.
At the Trade Center of the Americas, I have seen first-hand how trading goods
often results in trading stories and values as well. For example, working with Nevado
Roses, and learning about their eco-friendly techniques to cultivate flowers in the
second highest mountain range in the world, taught me about the true value of
sustainable farming practices. Likewise, Bebidas Amazonicas, which supports
indigenous Amazonian guayusa tea producers, has made it apparent that being
genuinely sustainable means more than just sorting your recyclables. Rather, a
sustainable business leaves every aspect of their community in a better place for
generations to come. People seeking to do business abroad often become cultural
diplomats by sharing stories about themselves and their home countries. This
accidental, grassroots diplomacy results in people who would have never otherwise
interacted with a newfound appreciation for other cultures and values.
Global economic integration through international trade is essential to promoting
peace and cross-cultural understanding. While nations with interconnected economies
are less likely to fight, global trade also promotes mutual understanding on the
grassroots level via average citizens conducting international business. Although the
global availability of Big Mac itself is not the secret to world peace, sharing supply
chains inevitably promotes cross-cultural understanding.
A brainstorming session at Impact Hub
