Digital Trade: Challenges and a Way Forward

Picture of the globe with glowing arcs connecting cities

The march of time has greatly transformed global trade. With COVID-19, the digital space has become part of our daily lives, allowing us to safely communicate, work, and conduct business with minimal physical contact. However, the digital economy faces challenges as governments grapple with different approaches to managing it. This panel will discuss obstacles and opportunities for digital trade: Is there a possibility for multilateral or plurilateral consensus on new rules? What do we stand to lose if consensus on a baseline set of rules cannot be achieved? Join us December 15th for a deep dive into this timely issue.

    Trade Policy Priorities through the Eyes of Congressional Democrats

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    In substance if not style, the Trump administration’s protectionist trade policies have looked conspicuously like those espoused by congressional Democrats over the past 25 years. Now that Trump has laid bare the economic, social, and geopolitical folly of this approach, Democrats may be ready to begin returning to their pro‐​trade roots. What are the Democrats’ wishes for U.S. trade policy? Are they willing to remind Americans why being for trade is in their best interest? Watch the panel to hear from prominent congressional Democrats about reclaiming Congress’ constitutional authority over trade policy, repealing tariffs, recommitting to multilateralism and the rule of law, and promoting domestic actions that improve American competitiveness.

    Trade Policy in a Biden Administration: Back to Normal, or into the Great Unknown?

    An American flag flies above a port where a container ship is unloading

    Trump’s trade policy team promoted protectionism and unilateralism, undermined the international rule of law, and shifted power from the legislative to the executive branch. The Biden administration will therefore inherit a messy legacy on trade and will have difficult decisions to make going forward. To what extent will it want to, and to what extent can it, return to the trade policy situation that existed prior to Trump? It will take many months to get full answers to these questions, but this event will kick off the discussion of the direction of trade policy in a Biden administration.

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