A new Cato study finds strong evidence that free trade promotes democracy and respect for human rights in countries that open their borders to the global economy. Specifically, the research finds that countries that are the most open to trade are three times more likely to enjoy full civil and political liberties than those that are closed, and are nine times less likely to suffer under political tyranny. Cato scholar Dan Griswold will discuss the findings of his study and their implications for U.S. trade policy toward China, the Middle East, Central America, and Cuba.

Daniel T. Griswold powerpoint presentation. (PPT, 152 Kb)