Immediately after writing the post which was originally here and researching the topic, I found that I’m much more interested in the argument of free trade versus protectionism and the benefits and drawbacks of each for America. I also realized that the economic argument was what I’d really end up centering the paper around. So I quickly decided to reverse the paper in such a way that instead of focusing on the significance of national governments in a globalized world with a brief mention of international economics, I’d focus the paper on the economics with a brief mention of political and social ideas. I’d like to first briefly illustrate both the benefits and drawbacks of global free trade on America and the world in general, and how it’s supported by economic theory, current events, history, and American philosophy. For the remaining majority of the study I will focus on our current economic relationship with China and the effects in both nations.

So, new question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of international free trade and how are these illustrated in our economic relationship with China?

I promise I’ll keep this one.