International Economics : Global Market Competition (5th Edition)
Henry ThompsonEconomics began with a debate over tariffs. Domestic industries lobby for protection against foreign competitors or export subsidies. Government policy makers dole favors in return for cash and votes. Governments negotiate free trade agreements but disregard them when possible with tariffs, export subsidies, and other policies to influence foreign trade and investment. The forces of international competition, however, eventually overwhelm government policy.
This text presents the critical issues of international trade and finance. Trade theory includes partial equilibrium market analysis, neoclassical trade models, constant cost production, factor proportions production, and models of industrial organization. The text integrates concepts from international finance and the basic models of open economy macroeconomics.
The presentation uses graphs with numerical examples making the theory easier for students, especially when combined with more general classroom presentation. The text does not assume previous courses in intermediate economics or calculus but develops the theory with simple tools. Numerous questions give students confidence to use the theoretical models and concepts.