Countries use trade to generate economic growth, which provides the resources societies need to function. However, governments can also leverage trade as a direct foreign policy tool to advance other national interests. In this hypothetical scenario, the United States needs to decide how to respond when a rivalry between growing trade partners threatens regional stability.
First, cover the fundamentals of this foreign policy tool with World101's lesson, What Is Trade Policy? Then, put these principles into practice with Model Diplomacy's hypothetical decision point below.
Over the past decade, Denburg and its neighbor Fredonia have both undergone economic transformations. Fueled by the region’s natural resource wealth, both countries have become prominent suppliers of raw materials such as aluminum to the United States and ramped up purchases of U.S. industrial machinery to support their growth. However, relations between Denburg and Fredonia are far from harmonious. Denburg has had frequent diplomatic clashes with Fredonia over territorial disputes and has harshly rebuked U.S. criticisms of its repressive and undemocratic leadership. Fredonia, on the other hand, is developing a close partnership with the United States, participating in several U.S. security initiatives in the region. Although both countries continue to grow economically, their rivalry represents a threat to regional stability. Because of the United States’ burgeoning economic ties with both countries, the president has convened the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss how best to manage trade in the region, both to support the U.S. economy and to promote stability in the region.
NSC members should consider the following policy options:
-
Negotiate a regional trade agreement that lowers or removes tariffs among Denburg, Fredonia, and the United States. This option would be the most economically beneficial to all countries. It could also incentivize greater stability between Denburg and Fredonia, and even pressure Denburg toward greater democratization. However, a trade agreement cannot guarantee improved relations or reforms. If Denburg continues its destabilizing activities, closer economic relations could make taking punitive measures more economically painful for the United States.
-
Negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with Fredonia. Fredonia would be a more reliable trading partner and lowering barriers to trade with Fredonia could strengthen the country, allowing it to better manage its rivalry with Denburg. However, this option would be less economically advantageous to the United States and offers no economic incentive for Denburg to maintain regional stability.
-
Use trade restrictions to punish Denburg’s destabilizing behaviors. These restrictions could include tariffs on Denburgese aluminum or sanctions restricting Denburg’s access to U.S. heavy machinery. This could push Denburg to improve its relations with Fredonia and ease repression, but it would be harmful to U.S. businesses and consumers.
