Global and national forces, including international trade policies, regulatory policies, and national issues of political life, all transform what businesses can do. The outcome is that businesses can only function effectively in so far as they are part of trade deals and political realities that support business functioning. There is no necessary reason for those to exist. Countries can impoverish themselves, or never move into a fully functioning economy. Global trade rules can make it difficult or impossible for economic progress.

Reflecting on these issues, respond to the question.

1. how should businesses think about governments?

2. How should they think about national economies?

3. What is the proper way for governments to think about businesses?