Final answer:
Defenders of multinational corporations argue that profits are a fair reward for their contributions to the global economy, though they face criticism for labor exploitation and potential negative environmental and security impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The defenders of multinationals believe that profits are the appropriate reward for efficiently providing the global economy with products and services. The arguments supporting multinational corporations (MNCs) include the creation of higher-wage jobs and better benefits in developing countries, investment in local infrastructures such as roads and powerlines, and the provision of high-quality consumer goods at competitive prices. Free trade and the effects of comparative advantage are deemed to increase productivity and thereby improve the average standard of living.
Critics, however, argue that MNCs exploit labor and the environment, and contribute to wealth staying outside the host country, especially when free-trade agreements are in place. Moreover, fears are raised about the potential for MNCs to influence government policies for their benefit, evade environmental protection laws, and threaten national security by creating dependencies on key imported products.