The theory of International trade is based on_________

The theory of international trade is based on the principle of comparative cost. This principle suggests that countries should specialize in producing goods and services that they can produce at a lower opportunity cost (in terms of other goods and services foregone) compared to other countries, and trade with each other to obtain the goods and services they cannot produce efficiently. For example, suppose Country A can produce 10 cars or 20 computers in a given time period, while Country B can produce 15 cars or 30 computers in the same time period. Country A has a lower opportunity cost for producing cars (1 car for every 2 computers foregone) compared to Country B (1 car for every 2 computers foregone). In contrast, Country B has a lower opportunity cost for producing computers (1 computer for every 0.5 cars foregone) compared to Country A (1 computer for every 1 car foregone). According to the principle of comparative cost, Country A should specialize in producing cars and Country B should specialize in producing computers. They can then trade with each other to obtain the goods they cannot produce efficiently. By doing so, both countries can enjoy a higher level of consumption than if they tried to produce all goods and services domestically. In summary, the theory of international trade is based on the principle of comparative cost, which emphasizes that countries can benefit from trade by specializing in the production of goods and services in which they have a comparative advantage, and trading with other countries to obtain goods and services they cannot produce efficiently.