Most peaceful era per capital in human history. Lowest percentage in poverty in human history.

Where have the biggest reductions in poverty taken place?

The why is because of relative advantage. Complaining about the 50 cent wage in a far lower cost of living country is like complaining that you cannot compete with a farmer's fields for corn with your urban rooftop gardens in plant pots. Well of course! That is where their advantages are - if you can trade without issues that is your cue to do something else more productive with your time.

> Why should someone who makes bikes in the EU compete with someone who does it for $0,50 an hour in Vietnam or who knows where?

Because this will lead to increased competition on the low cost countries labor market, increasing their wages. Long term that should equalizes wages and thus standard of living globally and everyone is happy. At least that's the overly simplified and wishful thinking. Reality is obviously a bit more complicated, but I still wouldn't want to entirely discard that concept.

I agree. In fact, I don't think ending international trade is going far enough. Why should Californian businesses who make bikes have to compete with Texas businesses who have to pay employees lower salaries, less tax and different rules.