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An Assessment Of The Trade Peace Relationship: The Political Economy Of The

Vic Parker

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Published in The Political Economy Of EU Ties With Iraq And Iran: An Assessment Of The Trade Peace Relationship (The Political Economy Of The Middle East)

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The relationship between trade and peace has been a subject of much debate and research. Some scholars argue that trade promotes peace by creating economic interdependence and fostering cooperation between countries. Others contend that trade can lead to conflict and war by exacerbating economic inequality and fueling nationalism. In this paper, we assess the relationship between trade and peace, considering both the theoretical arguments and the empirical evidence.

The Political Economy of EU Ties with Iraq and Iran: An Assessment of the Trade-Peace Relationship (The Political Economy of the Middle East)

by Cecil Bothwell

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	245 pages

Theoretical Arguments

There are several theoretical arguments that have been put forward to explain the relationship between trade and peace. The most common argument is that trade promotes peace by creating economic interdependence between countries. When countries are economically interdependent, they are less likely to go to war because they have a vested interest in maintaining the economic relationship. This interdependence creates a "peace dividend" that can help to prevent conflict.

Another theoretical argument is that trade fosters cooperation between countries. When countries trade with each other, they have to work together to resolve disputes and negotiate agreements. This cooperation can help to build trust and understanding between countries, which can make them less likely to go to war.

On the other hand, some scholars argue that trade can lead to conflict and war. One argument is that trade can exacerbate economic inequality between countries. When some countries benefit more from trade than others, it can create resentment and tension that can lead to conflict. Another argument is that trade can fuel nationalism. When countries compete for resources and markets, it can create a sense of rivalry that can lead to war.

Empirical Evidence

The empirical evidence on the relationship between trade and peace is mixed. Some studies have found that trade promotes peace, while others have found that it can lead to conflict. One of the most comprehensive studies on the topic was conducted by the World Bank. The study found that trade has a positive impact on peace, but that the effect is strongest in countries that are already democratic and have a high level of human capital.

Another study, conducted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, found that trade has a negative impact on peace in countries that are poor and have a high level of ethnic conflict. The study found that trade can increase the risk of conflict in these countries by exacerbating economic inequality and fueling nationalism.

The relationship between trade and peace is complex and multifaceted. There is no simple answer to the question of whether trade promotes peace or leads to conflict. The evidence suggests that the relationship between trade and peace is likely to vary depending on the specific circumstances of each country.

In general, trade is more likely to promote peace in countries that are already democratic and have a high level of human capital. However, trade can also lead to conflict in countries that are poor and have a high level of ethnic conflict. It is therefore important to consider the specific context of each country when assessing the potential impact of trade on peace.

The Political Economy of EU Ties with Iraq and Iran: An Assessment of the Trade-Peace Relationship (The Political Economy of the Middle East)

by Cecil Bothwell

4.7 out of 5