The Following Simple Two-Country Question Illustrates How Countries Are Made

question 73

Essay

The following simple two-country question illustrates how countries are made better off by trade in assets. Imagine that there are two countries, Home and Foreign, and that residents of each own only one asset, domestic land yielding an annual harvest of kiwi fruit. Assume that the yield on the land is uncertain. Half the time, Home's land yields a harvest of 100 tons of kiwi fruit at the same time as Foreign's land yields a harvest of 50 tons. The other half of the time the outcomes are reversed. The Foreign's harvest is 100 tons, but the Home harvest is only 50.
-Suppose that trade in asset is not allowed but the two countries sign a treaty that guarantees the sending of 25 tons of kiwi in good time by the high output country in that season. What will the outcome be of such a treaty?
Explain why.

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Definitions:

Competence Stage

The phase in skill development where an individual has gained sufficient knowledge and ability to perform tasks reliably but not yet effortlessly.

Evaluating Progress

The assessment of how well an individual, group, or project is moving towards its objectives or goals.

Maintaining Balances

The act of keeping various aspects of life or work in equilibrium, such as work-life balance, financial stability, or emotional well-being.

Raising Bar

The act of increasing standards or expectations in order to achieve higher performance or quality.