Opponents of globalization argue that falling barriers to international trade:

• A. ensure that all countries benefit equally from trade
• B. guarantee improved environmental standards worldwide
• C. always result in higher wages for all workers
• D. can lead to job losses in domestic industries due to increased foreign competition

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of globalization and international trade: Globalization involves reducing barriers such as tariffs and quotas, allowing goods, services, and capital to move more freely across countries.
2. Recognize the common arguments made by opponents of globalization: They often highlight potential negative effects such as job losses in certain domestic industries when foreign competitors can produce goods more cheaply or efficiently.
3. Analyze why falling trade barriers might lead to job losses: When imports increase due to lower barriers, domestic firms facing stronger foreign competition may reduce production or close, leading to layoffs in those industries.
4. Contrast this with the incorrect statements: Not all countries benefit equally, environmental standards are not guaranteed to improve, and wages do not always rise for all workers as a result of globalization.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding is that falling trade barriers can cause job losses in some domestic industries because of increased foreign competition, which is a key concern raised by opponents of globalization.