You are correct to point out that trade plays a big role. Of course, I'd argue that the reason for this is that over the course of human history -- mutual trade tends to promote the best shot at a real foundation for long term peace. It's not perfect - nothing is - but it's the most effective thing we have. There are also limits as to what we can do to absolutely force other sovereign countries to change certain practices and internal politics. We do try both with trade pressures (that wouldn't exist if we didn't actually engage in such trade) and a variety of other sticks and carrots and over the course of time, I think it's hard to argue that our efforts don't move the needle in a number of positive directions. If trade was literally the only factor and only about commercial interests, we would have opened trade with Cuba a long time ago and we wouldn't have some of the significant trade battles we have now with a number of friendly nations.

[Post edited by fishhoo at 05/23/2016 09:45AM]