1. Why is the basic goal of corporations in free-market competitive economies to maximize shareholders' wealth rather than alternative goals, such as maximizing and why do we observe deviations from this goal in countries where industries are less competitive and there is more government intervention in economic activities? Give some examples based on evidence from other countries. 2. What is the definition of a multinational corporation (MNC) and what are the major benefits from becoming a multinational corporation, rather than focusing only on domestic transactions? Give some evidence based on the list of the most major MNC and those in the Forbes 2000. 3. Discuss the growing trends toward increased free trade (abandoning of mercantilism) and global financial markets and some of their challenges/vulnerabilities over the last 3 decades, based on the evidence discussed in class 4. Discuss any of the major similarities and differences between free trade, bilateral trade and investment agreements, and trade blocks (e.g., NAFTA, USMCA, European Common Market = EU). What are the pros and cons of each of these trade arrangements