The post-Doha debate is exemplified by two opposing articles in the papers today. One’s by Johann Hari in the Independent, and the other is the Times leader. I’d recommend that CoffeeHousers check them out.
Both make relevant points from their respective sides. But neither recognises the political benefit of promoting global free trade, especially to Africa. China has been pouring unconditional aid and ‘soft’ loans into Africa over the past few years, including a $2bn loan to help Mugabe prop up the Zimbabwean economy. It promises another $5billion of loans in coming years to increase its trade influence in the continent. This does not bode well for the spread of democracy across a region riddled with despotic leaders who siphon off money from the public coffers.
By promoting free trade we also promote our democratic values. But unless we keep our side of the free trade deal, developing economies won’t keep theirs and will look for other solutions – such as that provided by China.
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