Trade

Abstract

Large and expanding flows of goods across borders are one of the core features of globalization. This article surveys the literature on the causes and effects of these international trade flows. It examines first the underlying economic drivers of these flows, next the ways in which geography, geopolitics, and trade policy shape the costs and uncertainty firms face in making their export decisions, and lastly the self-perpetuating but inequality-creating impact of international trade flows on domestic politics. The article points out both existing connections and opportunities for further integration between the literatures in international political economy, economics, and comparative politics.