Although there is no central world authority governing the behavior of nation-states, there are institutions, procedures, and understandings that establish rules for conducting international politics. Since the survival of all countries is dependent on trade, for example, individual countries pay close attention to how trade is regulated. Agreements on trade, tariffs, and currency represent one set of "rules" that function as a form of governance.

For this simulation, pick one country from Group A, and one country from Group B.

Group A:
United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Russia, Italy, Canada, France

Group B:
Jamaica, India, Mexico, Indonesia, Egypt, Kenya, Uzbekistan, Turkey

Now, research your country's trade policies through the following websites, and assess its ability to shape the rules of trade. Is this country a major force, or a more minor actor?

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/g8/index.aspx

http://www.g8italia2009.it/G8/G8-G8_Layout_locale-1199882116809_Home.htm

http://www.wto.org/

http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm

http://www.worldbank.org/

Finally, consider the following questions:

1. Based on your research, compare your two countries. Is there one that seems to wield more influence over trade and monetary policy? Do they seem about equal?
2. Would your country benefit (economically, politically, socially, etc.) if its leaders could set international trade rules? Why or why not?