Why free trade isn't dead despite Trump's attacks on system that upholds it

Notwithstanding Trump's bluster, it's too soon to mourn the end of international cooperation

The rules-based world order, which has been the scaffolding supporting the global economy since World War II, appears to be in serious jeopardy. And, judging by the number of eulogies published in recent months, it would be easy to conclude that this system of international cooperation on trade and other issues is already dead.

Concern for the fate of cooperation among nations is understandable. In his attacks on the United Nations, NATO and the World Trade Organization, President Donald Trump has shown his disdain for American commitments to peace, security and trade.

Notwithstanding Trump’s bluster, I believe it’s too soon to mourn