Impact of Political Elites on Trade Policy Preferences

• In Event: Knowledge and Legitimacy in Trade Politics

Abstract

This study aims to empirically demonstrate that the lack of available information, rather than predisposed knowledge or intelligence, affects individuals seeking to form educated trade policy preferences and, thus, highlights the important role of information and information providers in developing individuals’ trade preferences. We analyzed original data from a survey conducted during the 2020 election campaign in the U.S. Those with more knowledge about a trade policy did not respond to new information on that policy very differently than those with less knowledge. However, having a greater interest in politics and trade policies is associated with more sensitivity to related information and a higher likelihood of changing trade preferences based on such information. Thus, knowledge and intelligence do not significantly influence individuals’ preferences regarding a trade policy, but personal interest in political and policy-related issues does, through higher acceptance of new information.

Author

• Ji Yeon Park, Hitotsubashi University