NationStates Jolt Archive

I've been kicking around this idea for a while, and Hersfold's thread reminded me of it. Since we have a "Free Trade" category, shouldn't we have a "Fair Trade" category or something similar? While I'm a laissez-faire kinda guy myself, I have to consider my collectivist colleagues... ;)

Hmmm... I think all trade proposals can be classified under that category. In general, the UN would want to pass resolutions to improve economies, not restrict them. Also, if you really want to take down on economies for whatever reason, you can always repeal one.

Good idea, but I don't think it's really needed.

Hmmm... I think all trade proposals can be classified under that category. In general, the UN would want to pass resolutions to improve economies, not restrict them. Also, if you really want to take down on economies for whatever reason, you can always repeal one.

Good idea, but I don't think it's really needed.

Meh. I would say that restriction of economic activity is sometimes actually good for economies. For example, there might be this tax loophole that encourages corporations to outsource jobs in some nations, and you might not like that and firmly believe that closing that loophole is good for economies. Just a random example, I swear...

Hmmm. Whatever.

I notice someone chose your booby option... :rolleyes:

I've not voted yet, but will when I have a better feel for what you are proposing.

First, Free Trade improves economic "freedoms", which I think is not the same thing as economy. I could be wrong, and would appreciate a clarification ... I'll see if I can dig up some of Cog's Free Trade points from where he talked about the actual impacts of resolutions.

Second, "Fair Trade" sounds like a way to put protectist barrier up. In a way it sounds kinda like the opposite. But somehow I'm still not clear here and would love a few examples of what you consider Fair Trade to be. Also how would it change game stats?

(goes to stick on a fence and listen) :)

This is a bit of an iffy subject. IMHO totally free trade (in the absolute definition of the word) would be a world with no restrictions on commerce or trade at all. However, this clearly has some problems for poorer nations with burgeoning industries. Completely free trade means these industries have no protection against foreign transnationals, which can move in and take over, with their bigger industrial bases. This is a particular problem in RL, as the western world imposes it's own tarrifs on third world goods, making things even harder...

I'll try not to digress, but this is one of my current bugbears. ;)

Now, fair trade seems to me to benefit the economies of poorer nations, at the expense of the richer ones. i.e. letting them put barriers on imports, to help them improve their economies, and forcing transnats to pay fair prices for things like coffee, to use a common example.
Thinking about this, I am actually in favour of this idea, as I have a resolution in the pipeline that would fit into this exactly. However, I don't think there will be enough resolutions for it to be justified?

Now, fair trade seems to me to benefit the economies of poorer nations, at the expense of the richer ones. i.e. letting them put barriers on imports, to help them improve their economies, and forcing transnats to pay fair prices for things like coffee, to use a common example.

Thinking about this, I am actually in favour of this idea, as I have a resolution in the pipeline that would fit into this exactly. However, I don't think there will be enough resolutions for it to be justified?

That sounds like the opposite ... less economic freedoms perhaps, but a boost towards an economy???

That said, there are categories right now that rarely see resolutions (not proposals, I'm talking resolutions). Gun Control, Gambling, Political Stability, and Recreational Drug Use ... all have had proposals, and I *think* there have been resolutions, but they are hard to bring up. I'm personally not worried about the frequency or volume of resolutions if you two feel this is a worthwhile category.

I've not voted yet, but will when I have a better feel for what you are proposing.

First, Free Trade improves economic "freedoms", which I think is not the same thing as economy. I could be wrong, and would appreciate a clarification ... I'll see if I can dig up some of Cog's Free Trade points from where he talked about the actual impacts of resolutions.

Second, "Fair Trade" sounds like a way to put protectist barrier up. In a way it sounds kinda like the opposite. But somehow I'm still not clear here and would love a few examples of what you consider Fair Trade to be. Also how would it change game stats?

(goes to stick on a fence and listen) :)

Grand Teton already listed the general sort of things could be applied under a "Fair Trade" category in terms of international policy, though I think there would be domestic policies that could be addressed as well. For example, I think an anti-trust (anti-monopoly) law would be a fair trade policy.

As far as game stats....I dunno. I hadn't really thought that far. Maybe something like this...

Fair Trade
Restricting Economic Freedoms in the Interest of Fairness

Ah, so that's what you intend to do with it.

Ok, I want to change my vote... to Yes... just ignore one of those "No"'s...

Ah, so that's what you intend to do with it.

Ok, I want to change my vote... to Yes... just ignore one of those "No"'s...

Hey! The poll is closed, and I too want to vote yes now too! :) Hot Rod, your one-liner sounds interesting to me. Do I think I'd submit a proposal in this category ... why yes! :)

Here is the next question ... should it be strength based or have the opposite impact of environmental resolutions. It would decrease economic freedoms, but boost a very specific industry.

Let's say that the UN wants to put a "fair trade" agreement on produce. All UN members might see a very small increase in their ag sectors ... but a larger drop in their economic freedoms, since obviously regulation over that particular industry increased.

(I'm excited here, because it sounds like you could really turn some country knobs here.)

Hack! Sal! Coggy! Someone come check this out! We've got something here!

I've already sent it Up The Line.

Grand Teton already listed the general sort of things could be applied under a "Fair Trade" category in terms of international policy, though I think there would be domestic policies that could be addressed as well. For example, I think an anti-trust (anti-monopoly) law would be a fair trade policy.

As far as game stats....I dunno. I hadn't really thought that far. Maybe something like this...

Fair Trade
Restricting Economic Freedoms in the Interest of Fairness

Personally, I would have said that a fair trade category would benefit countries with poor economies (like me!), and have a slightly detrimental effect on the nations with big economies. Or then again, in theory it would benefit all economies, but poorer ones more, because of the enhanced commerce due to the new industries. This is my slightly biased view though.

And I've just realised that I've ignored domestic issues.

Surely an 'anti trust law' would benefit domestic economies, as a result of introducing competition and stopping price fixing?

I've already sent it Up The Line.

Thanks, Hack! You're such a swell Mod! :)

So when can we expect our first "Fair trade" proposal?

This thread has been noted.