Final answer:
Free market proponents argue that free trade and the effects of comparative advantage benefit more people than they hurt and have resulted in a reduction in global poverty levels, particularly in developing nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Free market proponents argue that free trade and the effects of comparative advantage benefit more people than they hurt and have resulted in a reduction in global poverty levels, particularly in developing nations.
This argument is based on the belief that free markets encourage economic growth, job creation, and innovation. When countries engage in international trade, they can specialize in producing goods and services in which they have a comparative advantage, allowing them to maximize their efficiency and productivity.
For example, a developing country that has a comparative advantage in agriculture can focus on producing agricultural products and export them to other countries. This creates jobs in the agriculture sector and generates income for farmers. The country can then use the revenue from exports to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, ultimately improving the standard of living for its population.