Henry Thompson

This text integrates the microeconomics of trade with concepts from open economy macroeconomics. The emphasis is on the powerful forces of international competition and the limitations of government policy. Economics began with a political debate over tariffs and the politics continue. Domestic industries lobby for protection against foreign competitors and for export subsidies. Government policy makers favor their pet industries in return for lobby money and votes. Meanwhile, other industries lobby for free trade. Governments worldwide tentatively negotiate free trade agreements while international financial markets determine the effectiveness of their fiscal and monetary policies. Wages, capital returns, and national income rise and fall with international commerce. The text covers these issues of international trade and finance. The trade theory is based on partial equilibrium market analysis, constant cost and neoclassical general equilibrium, the factor proportions model, and various theories of industrial organization. The text fully integrates concepts from international finance, and a new chapter for the 2nd edition develops the basic models of open economy macroeconomics. The presentation is centered on graphs that use realistic numerical examples making the theory easier for students to grasp, especially when combined with general algebraic and graphic presentations in the classroom. The text does not assume previous courses in intermediate theory or calculus but the theory is completely developed. Numerous exercises that can be presented by students give them confidence in using the theoretical models and concepts. Over 250 boxed examples illustrate the theory, many with visually descriptive charts and plots, making the text excellent for MBA courses. The text is concise in its presentation style. Students enjoy its clear straightforward style and instructors notice the difference on exams.

Economics began with a debate over issues of free international commerce, and the debate continues. Domestic industries lobby with politicians for protection against foreign competition. Government policy is designed to influence trade and investment in cooperation with favored industries. Governments negotiate free trade and investment agreements. Government fiscal and monetary policies ultimately depend on international financial markets. Wages and income rise and fall with international trade and investment, even in rich developed economies like the US. This textbook describes and predicts production, trade, and investment across countries. It carefully describes the foundations of international trade and investment, including constant cost, neoclassical, and modern theories of production, industrial organization, and trade. The theory is presented using graphs and numerical examples. Many problems are offered, leading to a thorough understanding. Over 200 boxed examples illustrate the theory. The text integrates issues of microeconomic trade with macroeconomic policy and finance. The emphasis is on the powerful forces of international markets and the limitations of government policy.