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A reciprocal arrangement whereby the government in the importing country seeks to recover large sums of hard currency spent on expensive purchases such as military aircraft or telecommunications systems, is known as a(n)________?

User AlanSTACK
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Final answer:

The reciprocal arrangement described is known as countertrade, a strategy used by governments to balance spending in foreign currency on imports with benefits such as technology transfer or local production. It is often associated with mercantilism and protectionist policies and plays a significant role in international trade and economic policy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept described in the question is known as a countertrade, which is often used by governments to balance out the large amounts of hard currency spent on expensive imports like military aircraft or telecommunications systems. This countertrade can take many forms, including barter, offsets, switch trading, and buyback agreements. In the context of government and international relations, such a reciprocal arrangement can also be associated with protectionist policies, and plays into the larger context of mercantilism, which is an economic theory emphasizing the accumulation of gold and silver through trade and protective measures.

In the realm of international relations, reciprocity can be observed in actions such as the exchange of ambassadors and state visits, which involve a mutual show of respect and aims to persuade states into negotiations or agreements. The principle of reciprocity ensures that states engage with each other on a level playing field, potentially leading to negotiations regarding trade adjustments like those implemented in the Marshall Plan or discussed during various GATT trade rounds.

Countertrade arrangements are considered an essential component of international trade and economic policy, specifically within the framework of mercantilist systems and potentially within protectionist regimes. These strategies shape international economic relationships and the dynamics of global market accessibility, which are crucial for the balance of imports and exports as well as funding growth or expansion goals.

User Stephen Eilert
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