Wolf and Singer on Trade

The readings from Wolf and Singer both discuss the issue of international trade. Wolf focuses on the economic theory that trade benefits those that chose to participate; he argues global trade is a good thing and it works. On the other hand Singer has a different approach, he focuses on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and raises questions on its achievements and effectiveness. They both seem to have faith in globalization if it is carried out well. Their difference shows when they look into why the globalization has not worked as well as it should have.

Wolf points out to the problems in developing countries such as lack of transparency, stability, policy failures, lack of technology and so on. He argues that these shortcoming in developing countries have resulted in lack of capital and trade. He also mentions Hong Kong and Singapore as the examples of success through opening up to global economy.

Singer points the finger to the WTO. He points out that it is dominated by developed naitons. He mentions the pressure the countries face to follow the direction wherever WTO is heading and thus reducing the autonomy of states. Towards the end of the chapter he increasingly sounds like Thomas Pogge in his book "World Poverty and Human Rights" becasue Singer argues about ethics of trade using the example of resource previlage.

I think both of the authors have a good point but I can't help but to feel that their arguments are only partially accurate. Becasue globalization is so complex and all the countries are so differnt.