Final answer:
The level of international trade and the impact of trade barriers on economic success vary from country to country. Sweden thrives due to high trade levels, while Brazil and India experience lower trade levels. Large economies like the US and Japan exhibit lower trade-to-GDP ratios, and the importance of participating in the global economy is evident for smaller economies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The topic of international trade and economic success is crucial to understanding global economics. As highlighted in the comparison between different countries and economic entities, trade levels and economic performance are starkly different. Trade barriers have a profound impact on a country's economic prosperity. Some countries, like Sweden, have flourished due to high levels of trade facilitated by a long history of foreign trade and proximity to numerous trading partners. On the other hand, countries like Brazil and India have seen lower levels of trade due to policies inhibiting trade. Interestingly, large economies like the United States and Japan have lower trade levels compared to their GDPs, with export ratios approximately half of the global average.
The success of the European economies and the active participation in trade agreements like NAFTA underscore the potential benefits of engaging fully in the global market. Smaller economies especially can benefit significantly from participating in international trade, as it is nearly impossible to attain a high standard of living while remaining isolated from the global economy. The comparisons between various pairs of economies illustrate the varied outcomes of different trade policies and practices.