Final answer:
Most economists acknowledge that FDI may come with some loss of economic independence, but the benefits of trade generally outweigh the drawbacks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement given implies that most economists support the idea that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is usually accompanied by some loss of economic independence. However, it's important to note that economists have different perspectives on the matter. Some argue that FDI can indeed lead to a loss of economic independence, as it entails foreign entities having control over domestic resources and decision-making. On the other hand, some economists emphasize the potential benefits of FDI, such as increased capital inflow, job creation, and technology transfer.
For example, during the 1950s to 1970s, low- and middle-income countries were skeptical of opening themselves to foreign trade and investment due to concerns about economic losses and loss of political control to powerful foreign corporations. However, the common belief among economists today is that embracing the gains from trade is generally favorable, even if it involves certain costs and tradeoffs. It is important to use policy tools to manage these costs and tradeoffs rather than completely cutting off trade.
In summary, most economists acknowledge that FDI can be accompanied by some loss of economic independence, but the overall consensus is that the benefits of trade outweigh these potential drawbacks.