Historical Trade Dynamics: Power and Policy

This chapter explores key historical periods of trade liberalization, notably the mid-Victorian era and post-World War II, highlighting the shifts in global power from Britain to the United States. It examines the complex role of tariffs as both economic tools and reflections of power dynamics, contrasting perspectives on trade as beneficial versus zero-sum. Additionally, the chapter discusses the influence of social movements, such as the Women's Cooperative Guild, on trade policies and the enduring implications for democracy and accountability.