Initial Post Instructions Choose one of the following options:

Option 1: Global Trade and the Quality of Life It has been said that global trade improves the quality of life. Using research, argue either for or against the statement that global trade improves the quality of life.

For the initial post, address the following:

• Do you believe that this statement is true? Why or why not?
• Are there examples of global trade lessening the quality of life in a particular country or region? Provide details to support your answer.
• Does everyone benefit equally from global trade? Why or why not?

Option 2: International Agreements and Organizations Choose one of the following agreements or organizations to address trading concerns:

• The World Trade Organization (WTO)
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• The World Bank
• North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)/United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
• The European Union (EU)
• The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

For the initial post, address the following questions:

• What has this agreement or organization done to promote trade?
• What would business be like without this agreement?
• What countries are benefiting most from the organization or agreement?
• Are any countries hurt by the organization or agreement? Why or why not?
• What recommended changes would you provide?