Brad Pitt Takes On Trade

November 21, 2005

Hollywood's most desirable man spent Friday preparing for a new role: Brad Pitt, trade expert.Pitt takes this business seriously. Black suit, black notebook. A profound, concentrated look. Impressively neat handwriting.Across the table, Steve Radelet from the Center for Global Development is running through the standard arguments on trade: comparative advantage, infant industry protection, import substitution. Pitt keeps writing it all down, looking like the journalism major he once was. Then he asks a question."If I could interrupt. . . . "Interrupt? Millions dream of being, ah, interrupted by this idol.

As the WaPo points out, trade policy is deeply complicated stuff. But if you keep in mind that the potential gains to poor countries from trade liberalization dwarf the total amount of aid they receive, you won't go far wrong.

Disclaimer

CGD blog posts reflect the views of the authors, drawing on prior research and experience in their areas of expertise. CGD is a nonpartisan, independent organization and does not take institutional positions.