For US Students, a Timely Discussion of International Trade

America's role in global trade has been much in the news of late, and Wendy Cutler, the featured speaker for the 2018 Janet Griffith Lecture on International Affairs, was well placed to bring this often-lofty topic down to earth for Upper School students on April 20.

 

Cutler devoted nearly three decades of her career to international trade in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, during which she negotiated several U.S. pacts. As deputy U.S. trade representative during the Obama administration, Cutler negotiated America's part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade deal with 11 other nations. President Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP shortly after taking office.

 

After leaving government service, Cutler became vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, the position she holds today.

 

Cutler made the case for international trade, saying that it "has helped lift millions out of poverty and contributed to international well-being." She acknowledged that "pockets in our country have been left behind by free trade and globalization," but she argued that America has gained more jobs through trade than have been lost.

 

Cutler answered questions posed by two NCS sophomores, as well as some from Upper Schoolers gathered in Grace Chapel. Among the topics she addressed were the prospect of a trade war involving China and the United States, the TPP, the impact of technology and automation on employment, and whether free trade helps women.

 

In that vein, she recalled that "it was not unusual for me to be one of the only women in the negotiating room," but once she proved herself to her counterparts, "I was treated like everyone else."

 

Cutler also urged students to consider federal service themselves, saying, "At a relatively young age, you can have a lot of authority and responsibility" by working for the government.

 

The Janet Griffith International Lecture is named for retired NCS teacher Janet Griffith, who developed several new and innovative programs at NCS, including its international program.

 

This was the 20th annual Griffith Lecture, which honors the retired NCS teacher who first directed the school's international program. Griffith and her son were in attendance for this year's lecture, as were all NCS students in grades 9 through 12.