For this cause cost per unit reduces and new sector/scope is being created for investment consequently, various sized and typed product can be produced. The United States has ample arable land that can be used for a wide range of agricultural products. For example, factor disadvantages will not lead firms to innovate unless there is sufficient . Their theory focused on MNCs and their efforts to gain a competitive advantage against other global firms in their industry. While at the surface, this many sound very simple, there is a great deal of theory, policy, and business strategy that constitutes international trade. The threat of new entrants is low. A closer look at world history from the 1500s to the late 1800s helps explain why mercantilism flourished. Great power rivalry is again becoming a principal theme of global politics. This condition makes it possible for many smaller retailers to compete against Walmart. By having both Miranda and her assistant concentrate on their respective tasks, their overall productivity as a team is higher. This page titled 2.2: What Is International Trade Theory? It turns out that Miranda can also type faster than the administrative assistants in her office, who are paid $40 per hour. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory Global strategic rivalry theory emerged in the 1980s and was based on the work of economists Paul Krugman and Kelvin Lancaster. It is a fact that Porter (1990) never focused primarily on the factors determining the pattern of trade, yet his theory of national competitive advantage does explain why a particular country is more competitive in a particular industry.If, for example, Italy maintains competitive advantage in the production of ceramic tiles and Switzerland possesses the competitive advantage in watches, it . In Ghana, a Chinese government loan will be repaid in cocoa beans.8. 6. Their theory focused on MNC s and their efforts to gain a competitive advantage against other global firms in their industry. Nevertheless, they remain relatively new and minimally tested theories. Countries such as Japan, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and even Germany still favor exports and discourage imports through a form of neo-mercantilism in which the countries promote a combination of protectionist policies and restrictions and domestic-industry subsidies. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. These theories are referred to as modern and are firm-based or company-based. Finished Papers. Comparative advantage focuses on the relative productivity differences, whereas absolute advantage looks at the absolute productivity. Trade is the concept of exchanging goods and services between two people or entities. The barriers to entry refer to the obstacles a new firm may face when trying to enter into an industry or new market. In other words, if people in other countries buy more from you (exports) than they sell to you (imports), then they have to pay you the difference in gold and silver. Their theory focused on multinational corporations and their efforts to gain a competitive advantage against other global firms in their industry. Modern or Firm-Based Trade Theories 7. Comparative advantageoccurs when a country cannot produce a product more efficiently than the other country; however, itcanproduce that product better and more efficiently than it does other goods. 20, 2018 5 likes 1,800 views Download Now Download to read offline Economy & Finance description of various theories of trade and how they paved way to concept of free trade Dhriti Saka Follow Advertisement Advertisement Recommended Theories of international trade Martin Meredith, The Fate of Africa (New York: Public Affairs, 2005). Global rivalry is a key element in international business (IB). The firm-based theories evolved with the growth of the multinational company (MNC). In subsequent years, economists have noted historically at that point in time, labor in the United States was both available in steady supply and more productive than in many other countries; hence it made sense to export labor-intensive goods. In this section, youll learn about the different trade theories that have evolved over the past century and which are most relevant today. This theory stated that a countrys wealth was determined by the amount of its gold and silver holdings. Once again, the major aim here is for turnover maximization for those companies and the social and environmental aspects are not addressed. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory Global strategic rivalry theory emerged in the 1980s and was based on the work of economists Paul Krugman and Kelvin Lancaster. Raymond Vernon, a Harvard Business School professor, developed the product life cycle theory in the 1960s. In contrast to classical, country-based trade theories, the category of modern, firm-based theories emerged after World War II and was developed in large part by business school professors, not economists. By increasing exports and trade, these rulers were able to amass more gold and wealth for their countries. Product Life Cycle Theory. 11. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Foreign Direct Investment in Africa Remains Buoyant, Sustained by Interest in Natural Resources, press release, September 29, 2005, accessed December 20, 2010. Trade is the concept of exchanging goods and services between two people or entities. Andrew Rice, Why Is Africa Still Poor?, The Nation, October 24, 2005, accessed December 20, 2010, http://www.thenation.com/article/why-africa-still-poor?page=0,1. Download Free PDF. In the US, the economic circle is a strong market-based economy, and the culture is individualistic as compared to China,. Global strategic rivalry theory is about how multinational companies need to gain a competitive advantage against other multinational companies in their industry through activities such as research and development. The country-based theories couldnt adequately address the expansion of either MNCs orintraindustry trade, which refers to trade between two countries of goods produced in the same industry. Firms will encounter global competition in their industries and in order to prosper, they must develop competitive advantages. The ultimate goal is to identify the opportunities and threats that could impact a business. The Instruments used in Protectionism Policy. For example, Durand and Wrigley (2009) reports that Walmart and Carrefour compete to penetrate into new markets to expand market share. When you tap into an international market, it helps to offset any losses that you might suffer during an economic downturn on the domestic front. Absolute advantage The critical ways that firms can obtain a sustainable competitive advantage are called the barriers to entry for that industry. What are the differences between these theories, and how did the theories evolve? No. Firm Strategy and Rivalry is the competition in the home market that drives innovation and quality. According to Michael Porter's five competitive forces industry analysis, an attractive industry has the following characteristics. These firms themselves have a global competitive advantage. Criticized by some and applauded by others, its clear that Chinas investment is encouraging development in Africa. In the 1960s this was a useful theory to explain the manufacturing success of the United States. They may need or want the goods or services. Initial capital outlay varies, but it is typically high in terms of funding for business space, human resources, and equipment, among other variables. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Asian Foreign Direct Investment in Africa: United Nations Report Points to a New Era of Cooperation among Developing Countries, press release, March 27, 2007, accessed December 20, 2010. Pages 55. the ownership of intellectual property rights, unique business processes or methods as well as extensive experience in the industry, and. Their theory focused on MNCs and their efforts to gain a competitive advantage against other global firms in their industry. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory A modern, firm-based international trade theory that states that a product life cycle has three distinct stages: (1) new product, (2) maturing product, and (3) standardized product. A HIERARCHICAL MODEL FOR VISUAL COMPETETION. Similarly, if Country B was better at producing another good, it could focus on specialization as well. Even though research and development is typically associated with the first or new product stage and therefore completed in the home country, these developing or emerging-market countries, such as India and China, offer both highly skilled labor and new research facilities at a substantial cost advantage for global firms. 8. Factors that were in great supply relative to demand would be cheaper; factors in great demand relative to supply would be more expensive. Determine which international trade theory is most relevant today and how it continues to evolve. Determine which international trade theory is most relevant today and how it continues to evolve. Local rivalry forces firms to move beyond basic advantages that the home country may enjoy, such as low factor costs. You'll also find short examples of applying each of the Forces separately in the sections above. sample size be of sufficient size to provide a good estimate of the actual population under study (in this case, countries following export oriented policies). 3. In 1776, Adam Smith questioned the leading mercantile theory of the time in The Wealth of Nations.Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (London: W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776). This is comparative advantage. . 6. Similarly, China provided nearby Nigeria with oil-backed loans to finance projects that use gas to generate electricity. Their theory is based on a countrys production factorsland, labor, and capital, which provide the funds for investment in plants and equipment. While export-oriented companies usually support protectionist policies that favor their industries or firms, other companies and consumers are hurt by protectionism. He studied firms that were successful in competing in international markets and concluded that; Firms struggle to dominate world markets by - Owning intellectual property rights - Investing in research & development - Achieving economies of scale & scope (AACSB: Reflective Thinking, Analytical Skills). His theory focused on explaining why some nations are more competitive in certain industries. However, his research using actual data showed the opposite: the United States was importing more capital-intensive goods. France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain were also successful in building large colonial empires that generated extensive wealth for their governing nations. Porters theory, along with the other modern, firm-based theories, offers an interesting interpretation of international trade trends. To explain his theory, Porter identified four determinants that he linked together. Taxpayers pay for government subsidies of select exports in the form of higher taxes. In the early 1950s, Russian-born American economist Wassily W. Leontief studied the US economy closely and noted that the United States was abundant in capital and, therefore, should export more capital-intensive goods. Discuss which strategy seems to be the most successful in your selected industry. But, however "normal" it may be, great-power conflict is nonetheless disconcerting and dangerous. Heckscher-Ohlin Theory (Factor Proportions Theory), Porter's National Competitive Advantage Theory, Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported. This theory focuses on how companies can get a competitive advantage when competing against global firms in the same industry. Sometimes competitive advantage can be increased by injecting the experience. To better understand rivalry in the competitive business setting, many researchers have relied on the sport setting to study the phenomenon. One example is IT suppliers such as Siemens and SAP. Smiths theory reasoned that with increased efficiencies, people in both countries would benefit and trade should be encouraged. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Foreign Direct Investment in Africa Remains Buoyant, Sustained by Interest in Natural Resources, press release, September 29, 2005, accessed December 20, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7086777.stm. Read this introduction to mercantilism and the difference between classical country-based theories and modern firm-based theories. But supporting such protectionist policies comes at a cost, like high taxes and other such disadvantages. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory Global strategic rivalry theory emerged in the 1980s and was based on the work of economists Paul Krugman and Kelvin Lancaster. Firms will encounter global competition in their industries. For example, global companies even conduct research and development in developing markets where highly skilled labor and facilities are usually cheaper. Additionally, youll explore the factors that impact international trade and how businesses and governments use these factors to their respective benefits to promote their interests. Countries dont have absolute advantages in many areas of production or services and, in fact, the factors of production arent neatly distributed between countries. The challenge to the absolute advantage theory was that some countries may be better at producing both goods and, therefore, have an advantage inmanyareas. For example, Kilduff, Elfenbein, and Staw used the collegiate basketball setting to investigate antecedents and outcomes of the rivalry phenomenon. Here are some real-world examples of the three key types of global strategies: Standardization strategy example Imagine that you want to create a standardization strategy for your luxury purse company. China: Trade with Africa on Track to New Record, CNN, October 15, 2010, accessed April 23, 2011, http://articles.cnn.com/2010-10-15/world/china.africa.trade_1_china-and-africa-link-trade-largest-trade-partner?_s=PM:WORLD. Nearly every country, at one point or another, has implemented some form of protectionist policy to guard key industries in its economy. 3. The difference between these two theories is subtle. Saylor Academy, Saylor.org, and Harnessing Technology to Make Education Free are trade names of the Constitution Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization through which our educational activities are conducted. To explain his theory, Porter identified four determinants that he linked together. 2. Summit Shows Chinas Africa Clout, BBC News, November 6, 2006, accessed December 20, 2010. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory, Sample Cover Letter For Magazine Editor, Top Article Review Ghostwriting Services For School, What Makes A Good Curriculum Vitae, How To Structure A Professional Essay Fonts, Bon Star Hotel Case Study, Cheap Cheap Essay Ghostwriter Services Uk . Tracy Hon, Johanna Jansson, Garth Shelton, Liu Haifang, Christopher Burke, and Carine Kiala, Evaluating Chinas FOCAC Commitments to Africa and Mapping the Way Ahead(Stellenbosch, South Africa: Centre for Chinese Studies, University of Stellenbosch, 2010), 1, accessed December 20, 2010. Porter's five forces model is merely a framework. Trade (exports and imports) between Africa and China increased from US$11 billion in 2000 to US$56 billion in 2006.with Chinese companies present in 48 African countries, although Africa still accounts for only 3 percent of Chinas outward FDI [foreign direct investment]. While a simplistic definition, the factors that impact trade are complex, and economists throughout the centuries have attempted to interpret trends and factors through the evolution of trade theories. the control of resources or favorable access to raw materials. The British colonial empire was one of the more successful examples; it sought to increase its wealth by using raw materials from places ranging from what are now the Americas and India. China even hosted a summit in 2006 for African leaders, pledging to increase trade, investment, and aid over the coming decade.11 The 2008 global recession has led China to be more selective in its African investments, looking for good deals as well as political stability in target countries. unique business processes or methods as well as extensive experience in the industry, and. . Raymond Vernon, a Harvard Business School professor, developed theproduct life cycle theoryin the 1960s. Recent versions have been edited by scholars and economists. Essentials of Strategic Management - J. David Hunger 2013-08-27 . The barriers to entry that corporations may seek to optimize include: Porters National Competitive Advantage Theory. What are the modern, firm-based international trade theories? 2: International Trade and Foreign Direct Investment, { "2.01:_Chapter_Introduction" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.
b__1]()", "2.02:_What_Is_International_Trade_Theory" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "2.03:_Political_and_Legal_Factors_That_Impact_International_Trade" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "2.04:_Foreign_Direct_Investment" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "2.05:_Tips_in_Your_Entrepreneurial_Walkabout_Toolkit" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "2.06:_End-of-Chapter_Questions_and_Exercises" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()" }, { "00:_Front_Matter" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "01:_Introduction" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "02:_International_Trade_and_Foreign_Direct_Investment" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "03:_Culture_and_Business" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "04:_World_Economies" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "05:_Global_and_Regional_Economic_Cooperation_and_Integration" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "06:_Chapter_6" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "07:_Chapter_7" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "08:_Chapter_8" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "09:_Chapter_9" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "10:_Strategy_and_International_Business" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "11:_Global_Entrepreneurship_and_Intrapreneurship" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "12:_Winning_through_Effective_Global_Talent_Management" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "13:_Harnessing_the_Engine_of_Global_Innovation" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "14:_Competing_Effectively_through_Global_Marketing_Distribution_and_Supply-Chain_Management" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "15:_Understanding_the_Roles_of_Finance_and_Accounting_in_Global_Competitive_Advantage" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()", "zz:_Back_Matter" : "property get [Map MindTouch.Deki.Logic.ExtensionProcessorQueryProvider+<>c__DisplayClass228_0.b__1]()" }, [ "article:topic", "showtoc:no", "license:ccbyncsa", "authorname:anonymous", "program:hidden", "licenseversion:30", "source@https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/individual-finance" ], https://biz.libretexts.org/@app/auth/3/login?returnto=https%3A%2F%2Fbiz.libretexts.org%2FBookshelves%2FBusiness%2FAdvanced_Business%2FBook%253A_International_Business%2F02%253A_International_Trade_and_Foreign_Direct_Investment%2F2.02%253A_What_Is_International_Trade_Theory, \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}}}\) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\), 2.3: Political and Legal Factors That Impact International Trade. Globalization itself is a competitive power that determined Volkswagen to be strategic and competitive. Hire a Writer. Exploiting the experience curve A good example of . Establishing a thriving business overseas can. The barriers to entry that corporations may seek to optimize include: Saylor Academy 2010-2023 except as otherwise noted. Today, the PC is in the standardized product stage, and the majority of manufacturing and production process is done in low-cost countries in Asia and Mexico. Nearly every country, at one point or another, has implemented some form of protectionist policy to guard key industries in its economy. Examples of such restrictions are putting a 100% tariff on sugar, orange and ice cream . Firms strive to gain the sustainable competitive . Nevertheless, whether to access the regions rich resources or develop local markets for Chinese goods and services, China intends to be a key foreign investor in Africa for the foreseeable future.12. The country-based theories couldnt adequately address the expansion of either MNCs or intraindustry trade, which refers to trade between two countries of goods produced in the same industry. In Globalization 1.0, nations dominated global expansion. Andrew Rice, Why Is Africa Still Poor?, The Nation, October 24, 2005, accessed December 20, 2010. Compare and contrast different trade theories. In the early 1900s, two Swedish economists, Eli Heckscher and Bertil Ohlin, focused their attention on how a country could gain comparative advantage by producing products that utilized factors that were in abundance in the country. Furthermore, the benefit to local workers may be diminished as Chinese companies bring in some of their own workers, keeping local wages and working standards low. The term was first introduced by Michael E. Porter in his classic 1979 Harvard Business Review article. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory Global strategic rivalry theory emerged in the 1980s and was based on the work of economists Paul Krugman and Kelvin Lancaster. 9. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory 6. Porter's Five Forces is one of the most traditional, well-known, and most widely used strategic macro analysis models.Used in conjunction with a PESTLE analysis, it helps you understand the competitive forces at work in an industry and how they affect the profitability of your business. Between 2010 and 2018 In fact, high local rivalry results in less global rivalry. Barriers to trade may exist, and goods must be transported, stored, and distributed. The barriers to entry refer to the obstacles a new firm may face when trying to enter into an industry or new market. Deborah Brautigam, Africas Eastern Promise: What the West Can Learn from Chinese Investment in Africa, Foreign Affairs, January 5, 2010, accessed December 20, 2010, http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/65916/deborah-brautigam/africa%E2%80%99s-eastern-promise. For example, global companies even conduct research and development in developing markets where highly skilled labor and facilities are usually cheaper. Thebarriers to entryrefer to the obstacles a new firm may face when trying to enter into an industry or new market. 5. The critical ways that firms can obtain a sustainable competitive advantage are called the barriers to entry for that industry. China Daily, February 11, 2009, accessed April 23, 2011. Even though Miranda clearly has the absolute advantage in both skill sets, should she do both jobs? is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anonymous via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request. Developed in the sixteenth century, mercantilism was one of the earliest efforts to develop an economic theory. Very frequently firms employ experienced inhabitants for their need. The five competitive forces reveal that competition extends beyond current competitors. China is accused by some of ignoring human rights crises in the continent and doing business with repressive regimes. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory of International Trade. In contrast, another country may not haveanyuseful absolute advantages. Uruk, its agriculture made prosperous by sophisticated irrigation canals, was home to the first class of middlemen, trade intermediariesA cooperative trade networkset the pattern that would endure for the next 6,000 years.Matt Ridley, Humans: Why They Triumphed, Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2010, accessed December 20, 2010, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703691804575254533386933138.html. Global Strategic Rivalry Theory Economists Paul Krugman and Kelvin Lancaster came up with this theory in the 1980s. Their theory, also called the factor proportions theory, stated that countries would produce and export goods that required resources or factors that were in great supply and, therefore, cheaper production factors. Shantanu Jadhav Computational Neurobiology UCSD. Developed in the sixteenth century,mercantilismwas one of the earliest efforts to develop an economic theory. These examples show that there are large companies that have the potential to directly compete against Apple Inc. Some of the ways are by ownership or patenting of rational property rights, channeling money into research and development, the exceptional procedure of the experience curve and development of their business to international business or economics. The five competitive forces jointly determine the strength of industry competition and profitability. Source: China in Africa: Developing Ties, BBC News, last updated November 26, 2007, accessed June 3, 2011,http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7086777.stm. 12. Barriers to trade may exist, and goods must be transported, stored, and distributed. France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain were also successful in building large colonial empires that generated extensive wealth for their governing nations. The continent generates a lot of interest on both the corporate and humanitarian levels, as well as from other countries. Use Porters four determinants in your explanation. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. Customers, suppliers, substitutes and potential entrantscollectively referred to as an extended rivalryare competitors to companies within an industry. A few African countries have attracted the bulk of Chinas FDI in Africa: Sudan is the largest recipient (and the 9th largest recipient of Chinese FDI worldwide), followed by Algeria (18th) and Zambia (19th).9, Observers note that African governments can learn from the development history of China and many Asian countries, which now enjoy high economic growth and upgraded industrial activity. Reviews. International trade theories are simply different theories to explain international trade. Global strategic rivalry theory. Similarly, if Country B was better at producing another good, it could focus on specialization as well. The threat of substitute products is low. For example, to illustrate rivalry in oligopolistic markets, the authors look at rivalry between United and American .