''An absolute masterclass in how to communicate complex information simply and compellingly'' – Ian Dunt, journalist

WHY POLITICIANS LIE ABOUT TRADE reveals how international trade really works and the compromises and deals nations must make to take part in the greatest commercial show on earth.

With clear writing and lively case studies, a former trade negotiator takes readers on an often humorous tour of the shadowy workings of the agreements, tariffs, taxes and disputes that characterise this $32 trillion-a-year machine.

Dmitry Grozoubinski reveals the underlying political and geographical forces that shape the impact of trade on topics as diverse and important as food, jobs, gender, conflict and climate change. And he reveals what politicians cover up about the system – and why it matters.

A companion to evergreen titles such as Freakonomics and How to Lie With Statistics, WHY POLITICIANS LIE ABOUT TRADE illuminates a little-understood network that runs our world.

Reviews

''I laughed more than I do in most comedies. I learned more than I do from the news. An absolute masterclass in how to communicate complex information simply and compellingly. You will come out of it far more knowledgeable than you went in, and shielded from some of the more egregious deceit politicians want to inflict on you. You''ll also laugh out loud.

''The book politicians don''t want you to read.''

Ian Dunt, author of How Westminster Works

''Enraging & enlightening in equal measure. And the measure is absolutely enormous.''

James O''Brien, author of How They Broke Britain

''Written by a former trade negotiator who has trained many British diplomats, this book is authoritative, yet – and here’s the strange part – actually fun to read.

''Dmitry Grozoubinski has a rare knack for explaining complex information in an accessible and light-hearted way. Two examples: “A little like municipal plumbing, trade policy is something most people prefer not to think about. It chugs along somewhere behind the scenes, safely ignored until it goes wrong.” “If you take all the romance out of it (which is easily done), a trade negotiation is a conversation between two deeply suspicious and paranoid groups as they work together to agree a binding and lasting agreement.”

''This book should be read by everyone who needs a shield from “opportunistic politicians relying on the density of the subject matter to peddle easy answers, simple narratives, and misleading twaddle”.''

Richard Baldwin, Professor of International Economics

Richard Baldwin, Professor of International Economics