Peterson Institute for International Economics

Project to evaluate trade and employment policy responses of the recession which began in 2007-08

Description:

• Focus on the countries most severely affected by the 2008 recession, namely the nations (members of the G7) which experienced the largest decline in global trade, the greatest worsening of labour markets, and the biggest deterioration of government fiscal positions.
• Describe and critically evaluate the trade and employment policy responses in major economies, with a focus on fiscal costs, targeted labour market groups, and impacts on employment.

Policies to be evaluated include:

• Trade Policies: examine the effects of “Buy country X” provisions, surge in anti-dumping actions,
• Employment Policies: analyze the scope and impact of employment policies used; assess whether more successful employment policies have been associated with less frequent resort to discriminatory and protectionist trade measures.