Is free trade necessary for economic development?

Agree with both vis and esp. Alternatively, "Is free trade necessary for economic stability?"

Agreed. To accept "economic development" as an unqualified good makes certain assumptions that all might not agree with.

This one has been implicated in other issues, such as NAFTA; and it even slips in through the back door on the outsourcing issue (using free trade as an excuse for or rationalization for outsourcing). But I like breaking it out cleanly here - free trade, up or down. 

Of course, one could argue that tying this to "economic development" isn't the best formulation, since one might believe that free trade is "necessary" for economic development, but nonetheless feel that economic development concerns are trumped by human rights, environmental, or other concerns. But I think that someone who promotes fair trade over free trade would probably end up saying that free trade isn't ultimately "necessary" for economic development. So I can live with the issue however technically formulated.

New Ways Needed to Reduce Poverty
A Commentary by Rodrigo de Rato
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund

There are three prerequisites to achieving growth: economic and financial stability, policies that help the private sector flourish, and support from the international community.

Free trade is crucial.

issue prior to revisions:

i like brian's revision below:

Is free trade necessary for economic development?

This issue moved from another topic. The original issue can be found here

This issue moved from another topic. The original issue can be found here

"Is free trade necessary for economic development?"

Is this meant to be any different than "Is free trade good?"

If so, then perhaps "Is economic growth necessary to development/poverty reduction?" might be more interesting.

i prefer "nation" to country.  otherwise, i vote to approve.

I think we could have some good discussion on this one.