Key Points

In Key Points, we've taken the essence of our policy papers and compressed them into one-page, bulleted format for easy reference.

We are in the process of converting our library of papers into Key Points, so if a paper you are interested in is not yet included, please check back.

The Case for CAFTA: Consolidating Central America's Freedom Revolution by Dan Griswold and Dan Ikenson

Based on Trade Briefing Paper no. 21, September 21, 2004

CAFTA would enhance important U.S. foreign policy goals by promoting freedom and democracy in a region that has been troubled in the recent past by wars and political oppression.

Protection Without Protectionism: The Challenges of Trade and Homeland Security by Aaron Lukas

The challenge for U.S. policymakers is to improve homeland security while minimizing the loss of liberty and the benefits of economic openness. We must recognize the inevitable tradeoffs between security and efficiency and seek to balance costs with benefits.

Job Losses and Trade: A Reality Check by Brink Lindsey

Based on Trade Briefing Paper No. 19, March 17, 2004

Regardless of whether economic times are good or bad, some amount of job turnover is an inescapable fact of life in a dynamic market economy. This fact cannot be wished away by blaming foreigners; it cannot be undone with trade restrictions.

Political scientists have long noted the connection between economic development, political reform, and democracy. In his new trade policy analysis, Dan Griswold makes the case for free markets by showing how much they encourage democratic institutions and promote civil liberties.

America's Win-Win-Win Trade Relations with China by Daniel T. Griswold

Based on Congressional testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, October 30-31, 2003

Many people fear that we are losing manufacturing and even white-collar, information-technology jobs to low-wage workers to China. In Congress proposals exist to restrict trade with China or to make it more difficult for U.S. companies to outsource or hire foreign-born workers. But free trade with China makes winners of American consumers, American business, and the American economy.

Threadbare Excuses: The Textile Industry's Campaign to Preserve Import Restraints by Dan Ikenson

On January 1, 2005, the textile and apparel quota regime is slated to terminate. After decades of protectionist exceptions, textile trade finally will be subject to the same rules that govern international trade in other manufactured products. But the next 15 months promises to feature a rearguard campaign to preserve and expand barriers to trade in those industries.

The Textile Industry: 50 Years of Crying Wolf by Daniel T. Griswold

A collection of quotes from textile industry leaders going back to the 1940s - each one proclaiming the impending destruction of their industry.

The Trade Front: Combating Terrorism with Open Markets by Brink Lindsey

Based on Trade Policy Analysis No. 24, August 5, 2003

The Bush administration should be congratulated for its plans to create a U.S.-Middle East free-trade area, while at the same time encouraged to do more.

Grounds for Complaint? Understanding the 'Coffee Crisis by Brink Lindsey

Based on Trade Briefing Paper No. 16, May 6, 2003

Do the problems now afflicting the coffee industry really amount to a failure of the free market? Without a doubt, coffee producers are suffering through a prolonged and severe drop in prices, the human costs of which are real, serious, and heartrending. But any attempt to blame this state of affairs on nefarious dealings by multinational corporations is nonsense.

Willing Workers: Fixing the Problem of Illegal Mexican Migration to the United States by Daniel T. Griswold

Based on Trade Policy Analysis No. 19, October 15, 2002

For years, the United States has pursued an illogical and ineffective policy toward Mexican immigration. While the U.S. government has encouraged closer trade, investment, and political ties with Mexico, it has worked in vain to keep a lid on the flow of labor across the border. U.S. immigration law has been overwhelmed by economic reality.

Steel Trap: How Subsidies and Protectionism Weaken the U.S. Steel Industry by Dan Ikenson

Based on Trade Briefing Paper No. 14, March 1, 2002

It would be difficult to find another U.S. industry more coddled and protected from the realities of the marketplace than the steel industry. This fact, more than any other, explains the steel industry's perennial problems.