In the broad world of international relations, without question the most dynamic and active area is international commerce and trade. No other aspect of America's relations with the world can match the millions of interactions carried out each day in countries all over the globe by American businessmen. As an agent for democratic change and economic growth and individual prosperity, trade has no equal. Free trade has transformed state run economies and empowered the individual in countries where the individual has no other source of power.
Free trade is the road to democratic change.
As such it is one of the most powerful tools for weakening and changing authoritarian regimes. Trade also fuels our own economic prosperity and provides wealth and opportunity to all Americans. Return to The United States and China . Return to IIP Home Page .