LESSON NINE: Brave New World

GO BACK A LONG TIME: Before Adam Smith and Thomas Morton there was Luke Skywalker in a galaxy far, far away. Yes, Mr. Clifford made his YouTube debut using Star Wars to demonstrate several concepts including scarcity, voluntary exchange, and the woeful state of the XP-38 Landspeeder market. Like the Star Wars movies themselves, the first really is the best. The force will be with you. 

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TRADE AWAY: Play the Trading Around the World game Courtesy of the International Monetary Fund. Start with money to buy goods and try to maximize your wealth buy buying and selling on an intercontinental scale. Beware of trade barriers, currency restrictions, and the inevitable disappointment of not getting what you want all the time. Consider that a life lesson on top of a history lesson. 

Trading Around the World

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Fair Trade FAQ - Fair Trade Questions

Explore our FAQ for answers to all of your questions about Fair Trade, Fair Trade Certified products, and Fair Trade for businesses.

BE FAIR: “Fair trade” is a relatively recent designation that, has less to do with trade than it seems at first blush. Instead, the certification focuses on the ethical manners of production. Good or bad? Probably neither, but form your own opinions by reviewing what it means to be fair, at least according to the non-profit organization that approves the labels. 

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CELEBRATE SUCCESS: Did you know your tax dollars support something called the The International Trade Administration? Neither did I, but rest assured your tax dollars are hard at work promoting international exchange. According to its mission, the ITA works to foster economic growth through global trade. A division of the Department of Commerce, you can read more about their success stories. 

ITA Success Stories of the Week

Office of the Under Secretary Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Office of Public Affairs