[sabatooch]

Hey Guys and Gals...
I have this international relations class at school and one of the questions asks "what factors cause industrial countries to trade amongst themselves (remembering that 80% of trade in industrial countries is done with other wealthy countries)? What theory of trade does this contradict? Well, for you economists out there, I know that the theory is the factor proportions theory, but i don't know why industrial trade patterns contradcit the theory- can anyone help a lost political science student!!! greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[D-man]

Reading that really makes me cringe knowing that I have classes similar to that one in years to come...

Sorry, this response really any help at all.

[mrlayance]

I remeber going to Economics class, that is about it. I will ask Lynette to take a look at the question.

[sherpahigh]

I think it really boils down to the basics. Trade started as a way to get something you want or need in return for something you have an abundence of. It makes sense that Wealthy countries would have more of an abundence of more things than poorer countries hence more trade with wealthy countries?

I'm no economics major, though I did take some classes so take that for what it's worth, not a hell of a lot.

[Stephen Dame]

Hey, I'm a Poli-Sci major, doing alright in IR right now if I don't say so myself. However, I pulled down a 55% in Economics (Which is Good Enough for Me! Hard Head/Soft Heart... but soft headed when it comes to ECO)

I'm heading out right now though with an ECO geek, so I'll post back later if I can grab ya anything.

[prz]

You might want to check out the economist.com for some archive stuff. If you cannot access their site, check if your library has a password for you.

Another source for help might be Michael Hawes. He is a International Political Economy Prof at Queen's University. I had him there he is all over trade issues. Another Prof. is Robert Wolfe. He covers trade issues too. They might have links that help.

Hope it works out.