Why do neoliberals and big corporations feel entitled to free trade agreements when nothing should be for free according to their own logic?

The notion that neoliberals and big corporations feel entitled to free trade agreements, despite the apparent contradiction with their emphasis on market principles where nothing should be "free," can be understood through several key points:

Neoliberal Ideology and Free Trade

1. Market Efficiency: Neoliberals advocate for free trade because they believe it enhances market efficiency by allowing goods and services to be produced where they can be most efficiently made, thus benefiting consumers and producers alike. This aligns with their broader economic philosophy of minimizing government intervention and maximizing market freedom45.

2. Economic Growth: Free trade agreements are seen as tools to promote economic growth by reducing barriers to trade, which can lead to increased investment, job creation, and economic development. This growth is often presented as a universal benefit, though critics argue that it disproportionately favors large corporations and developed economies5.

3. Globalization and Market Access: Neoliberals support free trade as a means to expand market access globally. This allows corporations to operate across borders more easily, accessing new markets and resources. The idea is that this expansion benefits both the corporations and the economies involved by increasing trade volumes and economic opportunities5.

Corporate Interests and Power Dynamics

1. Influence and Lobbying: Big corporations often have significant influence over trade policy through lobbying and other forms of political engagement. They can shape agreements to favor their interests, such as securing investor protections and reducing regulatory barriers13.

2. Unequal Bargaining Power: Critics argue that free trade agreements often reflect unequal bargaining power between nations, with larger economies or corporations exerting pressure on smaller or weaker parties. This can lead to agreements that favor the interests of big corporations over those of smaller economies or local communities23.

3. Exploitation and Coercion: Some argue that free trade agreements can be exploitative, particularly when they involve coercion or unequal value exchanges. This can occur when weaker parties are forced into agreements that do not fully reflect their consent or interests23.

The Concept of "Free"

1. Misconception of "Free": The term "free trade" does not mean that trade is costless or without conditions. Instead, it refers to trade that is free from certain government-imposed restrictions like tariffs and quotas. However, critics point out that such agreements often come with other costs, such as environmental or social impacts, and may not be truly "free" for all parties involved2.

2. Neoliberal Logic: From a neoliberal perspective, "free" trade is about reducing government intervention in economic transactions, not about eliminating all costs or benefits. The idea is to let market forces determine prices and resource allocation, which they believe leads to more efficient outcomes4.

In summary, neoliberals and big corporations support free trade agreements because they see them as a means to enhance market efficiency, promote economic growth, and expand global market access. However, critics argue that these agreements often reflect unequal power dynamics and can lead to exploitation, challenging the notion of truly "free" trade.