the Fifth Freedom

The Fifth Freedom refers to the freedom to engage in commerce or trade without restrictions, such as tariffs or quotas, between countries. This concept has historical significance in the context of international trade and economic policy. It was first articulated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union Address, where he outlined four essential freedoms that people everywhere in the world ought to enjoy: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The Fifth Freedom, as proposed by Roosevelt, was the freedom to engage in trade and commerce without barriers. This concept has since been influential in shaping international trade agreements and policies, as countries have sought to promote economic growth and cooperation by reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade. The Fifth Freedom has also been a key principle in the formation of organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the negotiation of trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).