1- Will countries be better off under a multilateral economic liberalization regime or under a system of regional economic integration? Why?
2. When would a country such as France use socioeconomic rather than geopolitical reasons to support its trade policy? Can you provide some examples? How useful is economic geography in explaining the success of regional economic integration blocs? Give examples.
3- Why are countries pushing to sign regional integration blocs? Although the European Union is the most advanced form of regional integration, it is currently facing a challenging time. What are some of the major challenges facing the EU?
4- It appears likely that a free trade area in much of Asia is likely by the end of 2020. What are the global implications for such a development? Do you believe that there is a "digital divide" in the global economy? Is globalization narrowing that gap? If so, how?
5- Globalization can be facilitated only if national governments are willing to participate in that process. What roles can the three major international institutions play to be a part of this facilitation process? Regional integration in Latin America offers tremendous potential. Yet economic achievements are relatively modest so far. Why?
6- Do you think, overall, that countries in the world are becoming more democratic, or less democratic, in nature? Why?