Why Politicians Lie About Trade explains how international trade in goods and services actually works—and the compromises and concessions nations must make to take part in this $32 trillion-a-year jamboree: the greatest commercial show on earth.

Daily we can see the fruits of international trade on display on the shelves of shops, from American oranges to Chinese mobile phones to Kenyan coffee. But hidden from view is the geopolitical wiring that allows global cross-border trade to make it all happen: a network of treaties, tariffs, taxes and disputes that is remote and unintelligible to most people. Until now.

With clear, often humorous writing and case studies, former trade negotiator Dmitry Grozoubinski takes readers through the intricacies and surprises of global commerce.

He reveals the underlying political and geographical forces that shape trade policy and our everyday lives. He spells out the impact of trade treaties on topics such as food, jobs, gender conflict and climate. And he reveals what politicians cover-up about the system— and why it matters.

A companion to books such as How to Lie With Statistics, Why Politicians Lie About Trade illuminates a much misunderstood and underestimated network that is vital to our modern interconnected world. With the US-China trade war, Brexit, and other disputes regularly hitting the headlines (and sometimes our nerves), grasping how trade actually works has never been more important.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

‘Written by a former trade negotiator who has trained many British diplomats, this book is authoritative, yet – and here’s the strange part – actually fun to read. Dmitry Grozoubinski has a rare knack for explaining complex information in an accessible and light-hearted way.’
— Richard Baldwin, Professor of International Economics

‘For some time, there has been a clear gap in the market for a guide to trade policy to help those with an interest to gain a better understanding of this important field and enable them to engage more actively in trade policy debates. Dmitry Grozoubinski’s Why Politicians Lie About Trade fits the bill admirably.’
— Justin Brown, the Lowy Institute

‘An absolute masterclass in how to communicate complex information simply and compellingly. You will come out of it far more knowledgeable than you went in, and shielded from some of the more egregious deceit politicians want to inflict on you. You’ll also laugh out loud.’
— Ian Dunt, author of How Westminster Works

‘Writing a 300-page book on international trade policy issues in a way that is not only accessible but also entertaining would be a serious challenge for most authors. Dmitry Grozoubinski’s new book rises to that challenge.’
— Chris Horseman, Bordelex

‘If you want a two-word review, it’s great. It describes official myths and distortions, from overselling trade deals to claiming distance no longer matters in trade to saying corporations control the world by infiltrating the WTO.’
— Alan Beattie, Financial Times