The Aztecs did it. So did the Japanese. And even the indolent noblemen of Europe's Golden Age did it. Since the first cavemen crawled out of their burrows to exchange firewood for leopard skins, human beings have been trading goods and services in the world marketplace with great success.

There is much benefit to come from free trade. Where would we be without Belgian chocolates, Rwandan coffee beans or the Italian Lamborghini? Trade is about far more than producing wealth, however. To paraphrase the great economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, the purpose of free trade is to grant us freedom. Freedom from what? From scarcity, from want, from the tedium of our own limited potential.

But trade has a dark side. We confront that dark side when our employer moves its textile factory to Mexico to benefit from the North American Free Trade Agreement, or when the latest World Trade Organization negotiations make it more profitable to outsource customer service jobs to India than to set up a call center in the United States.

For some, free trade is nothing short of slavery in sheep's clothing. The Soviets once called it "a device of the devil to ensnare and enslave small countries." Others would have you believe trade is always beneficial. Even as factories are closing, the costs of basic foodstuffs are on the rise, the U.S. trade deficit is climbing to epic heights, and the environment is choking on our growth-at-any-cost refuse, they continue with that tired old mantra: "Trade is good. Trade works."

I have been an international trade practitioner and scholar for twelve years now, but I belong to neither camp. When I worked at the White House Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, I negotiated agreements and litigated trade cases I believed would serve both ourselves and our trading partners. But I also saw projects that seemed designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. After I quit my job, sold my home and set off for sub-Saharan Africa in my own quest for meaning, I confronted both the good and the bad of free trade. And when I became a law professor teaching my students the ins and outs of globalization and trade law, I emphasized both the benefits and harms of the international trading system.

But in the public debate, there is little balance or opportunity to develop a true understanding of the burning issues: What is free trade? How did it develop and where is it going? How does it affect our lives?

After years of lamenting, I finally decided to follow Gandhi's advice "to be the change you want to see in the world." This website is my effort to bring to you the many voices of trade. Through a series of conversations, you will hear from experts on the leading edge of trade policy, and from practitioners who make things happen on the ground. In my essays and commentary, I will strive to provoke, entertain and enlighten. And in your own comments, you will have an opportunity to do the same.

If you've ever wondered what the trade deficit really means but were too shy to ask, this is the site for you. If you've questioned how trade and globalization are related, then you are in the right place. And if you've ever read some opinion on trade you thought was full of ... (fill in the blank!) but didn't have the resources to refute it, pull up a chair, get a glass of wine and let's get started!

Sound Off! on International Trade Brief and opinionated commentary on key international trade issues

The Basics on Free Trade What is free trade--a religion or a tool for prosperity? Get the basics and more on free trade principles

Free Trade and Poverty We live in a world where the disparity between rich and poor countries is vast and ever-growing. Can free trade help countries out of poverty?

Free Trade & War Can free trade principles survive in time of war?

NAFTA & More NAFTA brings fear--fear that it pollutes our environment, endangers our children and destroys American jobs. But the U.S. negotiates new regional agreements every day. Are they friend or foe?

International Trade News Keeping up with all the international trade news and current events. Here's a short excerpt on major happenings

Books on Free Trade Reviews, Previews and commentary about books on free trade, globalization, business and more.

The Free Trade Blog Get the latest happenings on free trade trade balanced with smart and engaging commentary.

About Me Who am I? What's my free trade expertise?

Contact Questions, comments or concerns? Contact me here.