Final answer:
U.S. tort cases are a concern for international businesses as they can hear cases with international parties and significant damage claims. International agreements play a crucial role in balancing trade and protectionism, while politicians and environmentalists influence domestic policies on trade for protecting national interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
One area of U.S. tort cases of concern to international businesses is that they hear cases that involve 'interstate' matters, 'diversity of citizenship' involving parties from two different states, or between a U.S. citizen and a citizen of another nation (with a damage claim of at least $75,000). International businesses must be mindful of the potential for litigation in U.S. courts due to the wide scope of jurisdiction and the possibility of high damage awards. Moreover, the international arena involves complex legal considerations such as international agreements, environmental regulations, dependency on imported goods like oil, and the balance of trade, all influencing government policies towards protectionism.
International agreements can act as a counterbalance to domestic pressures for protectionism by ensuring that international law and agreements are respected, thus preventing the enactment of stricter trade barriers. Nevertheless, environmentalists and politicians express concerns about multinational firms evading environmental laws and national security issues, possibly influencing governments to impose restrictions on imports to protect domestic interests. Understanding the demand and supply model as it applies to international trade is essential for businesses navigating this complex environment.