''If you want a two-word review – it’s great.'' Alan Beattie, Financial Times

Why Politicians Lie About Trade reveals how international trade really works and the compromises and deals nations must make to take part in the greatest commercial show on earth.

With clear writing and lively case studies, a former trade negotiator takes readers on an often humorous tour of the shadowy workings of the agreements, tariffs, taxes and disputes that characterise this $32 trillion-a-year machine.

Dmitry Grozoubinski reveals the underlying political and geographical forces that shape the impact of trade on topics as diverse and important as food, jobs, gender, conflict and climate change.

And he reveals what politicians cover up about the system – and why it matters.

Why Politicians Lie About Trade lights up a little-understood network that runs our world with brevity and humour.It contains everything you need to know about international trade and is an ideal companion to titles which explain commerce such as the Undercover Economist, Taxtopia and Freakonomics.

This book has been enthusiastically recommended by serious publications such as the Financial Times and the World Trade Review and popular authors such as Ian Dunt and James O''Brien.

Ian Dunt wrote: ''I laughed more than I do in most comedies. I learned more than I do from the news.''

Reviews

''For some time, there has been a clear gap in the market for a guide to trade policy to help those with an interest to gain a better understanding of this important field and enable them to engage more actively in trade policy debates.

Dmitry Grozoubinski’s Why Politicians Lie About Trade fits the bill admirably.'' Justin Brown, the Lowy Institute

''An absolute masterclass in how to communicate complex information simply and compellingly. You will come out of it far more knowledgeable than you went in, and shielded from some of the more egregious deceit politicians want to inflict on you.

You''ll also laugh out loud.'' Ian Dunt, author of How Westminster Works

''Enraging & enlightening in equal measure. And the measure is absolutely enormous.'' James O''Brien, author of How They Broke Britain

''Written by a former trade negotiator who has trained many British diplomats, this book is authoritative, yet – and here’s the strange part – actually fun to read.

Dmitry Grozoubinski has a rare knack for explaining complex information in an accessible and light-hearted way.'' Richard Baldwin, Professor of International Economics

''Writing a 300-page book on international trade policy issues in a way that is not only accessible but also entertaining would be a serious challenge for most authors.

Dmitry Grozoubinski’s new book rises to that challenge.'' Chris Horseman, Bordelex

''If you want a two-word review, it’s great. It describes official myths and distortions, from overselling trade deals to claiming distance no longer matters in trade to saying corporations control the world by infiltrating the WTO.'' Alan Beattie, Financial Times

''Much of the book’s strength lies in its language. It largely avoids technical and academic-style terminology, and the content is presented with a wry and sometimes mischievous sense of humour.

This approach makes even the most arcane and obscure parts of the book engaging.'' Justin Brown, the Lowy Institute

Introduction

I am very sorry. I once led a trade negotiation so impenetrably dull and infuriating my boss said our top priority was to ensure he never had to explain it to our trade minister.

I am fully aware the average human being would rather eat a broken glass salad than read about the small print of a World Trade Organization tariff schedule. I get it. Unfortunately, trade is important and important people keep lying to us about it. In fact, the very fact that important people lie to us about it proves its importance, and its importance is probab