The podcast that I have chosen this week is titled, "What Global Trade Deals are Really About" by Haley Edwards.

Link: https://youtu.be/-v3uqD1hWGE

1. What important new things did you learn?

Haley Edwards did a great job of clearly explaining why she believes that global trade is really about things other than money. She explains that global trade isn't about GDP, job loss, job gains and how trade deals aren't really about trade.

This video goes on to explain that free trade began around 1944 when the world was quote, "a pretty dark place." After WWl and during WWll people were desperate for peace. The question was how can peace be found by building our economy?

1. How did this new knowledge relate to macroeconomic measures ofinternational exports and imports, that are being explored in this unit, and how does it impact the entire economy?

Haley Edwards goes on to explain that the idea at this time was if countries were trading unique products from one another they couldn't go to war with each other because then they would no longer receive supplies from each other.

In 1948 the GAT was created (general agreement or tariffs and trade.) After the GAT was signed the economy went wild. That was until about the 70's. You will have to watch the video to learn more but I highly recommend it!

1. What action, if any, do you think the government, or society, should take as a result of what you have learned?

The question of how to improve world trade is very complex.

This specific podcast focuses on global trade = peace.

So much is going on in the world as we speak making connections with other countries a bit challenging. COVID 19 has been a lasting example. Now, we are witnessing the destruction of Ukraine. Right now, the worlds thoughts do not seem as focused on trading as lending assistance and donating where it's needed.

Currently, I would recommend society donate to Ukraine groups. Although trade will always play a huge role in our economy it doesn't hurt to offer assistance when needed.

I would love to hear the brainstorming ideas of trade from my classmates.