The Unfolding Role of International Trade

TAHLEQUAH Fear of globalization will not change the reality that in todays society, increasing trade between nations is necessary to sustain the continued economic well-being of the United States.

That was the central message brought forth by former Congressman and Ambassador James R. Jones during the second annual Larry Adair Lectureship Series presented by Northeastern State University.

The whole sense of globalization is terrifying people, said Jones. That fear of globalization manifests in opposition to trade legislation and opposition to any immigrant reforms.

Jones served as a special assistant to U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969, U.S. Congressman for Oklahomas first district from 1973 to 1987, chairman of the American Stock Exchange from 1989 to 1993, and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico from 1993 to 1997. He currently works as an attorney focusing on international trade, investment and commerce, business-government relations and financial services.

Jones spoke to a select group of students at a question-and-answer town hall meeting to kick off the forum. Students took advantage of the opportunity to post questions to the former legislator on a number of topics related to international relations.

Following the town hall meeting, Jones headlined a public forum on The Unfolding Role of International Trade to U.S. Economic Well-Being. Other members of the panel at the forum included Edwin G. Corr, former U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Bolivia and El Salvador; Dr. Fritz Laux, NSU associate professor of Business Administration; Susan Savage, Oklahoma Secretary of State; and Mark Stansberry, chairman of The GTD Group.

Were living in a world of globalization, where borders are meaning less and less in terms of trade, said Jones in opening the forum. That scares the devil out of most Americans, who are afraid that we cant compete in a global market.

Topics discussed the implementation of free trade agreements, such as NAFTA, the impact of globalization on states and cities, benefits provided to developing nations through free trade agreements, Oklahomas preparedness to work in a globalized economy, and how knowledge of different cultures is an important factor when working in an international environment.

Following the forum, which was open to the public, the panelists answered questions on a variety of topics related to globalization.

Jones completed the day by giving the keynote address at a dinner held in his honor on the value of globalization and its impact on the U.S. economy.

The Larry Adair Lectureship Series was established in 2004 by friends and family of the retiring Oklahoma Speaker of the House to create an annual forum to address issues in politics, government and public policy.