Open: The Progressive Case for Free Trade, Immigration, and Global Capital - Hardcover

Clausing, Kimberly

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0674919335 ISBN 13: 9780674919334

Publisher: Harvard University Asia Center, 2019

Synopsis

“I wish every Democratic candidate would read this book. It is a highly intelligent, fact-based defense of the virtues of an open, competitive economy and society.”
―Fareed Zakaria, CNN

With the winds of trade war blowing as they have not done in decades, and Left and Right flirting with protectionism, a leading economist forcefully shows how a free and open economy is still the best way to advance the interests of working Americans.

Globalization has a bad name. Critics on the Left have long attacked it for exploiting the poor and undermining labor. Today, the Right challenges globalization for tilting the field against advanced economies. Kimberly Clausing faces down the critics from both sides, demonstrating in this vivid and compelling account that open economies are a force for good, not least in helping the most vulnerable.

A leading authority on corporate taxation and an advocate of a more equal economy, Clausing agrees that Americans, especially those with middle and lower incomes, face stark economic challenges. But these problems do not require us to retreat from the global economy. On the contrary, she shows, an open economy overwhelmingly helps. International trade makes countries richer, raises living standards, benefits consumers, and brings nations together. Global capital mobility helps both borrowers and lenders. International business improves efficiency and fosters innovation. And immigration remains one of America’s greatest strengths, as newcomers play an essential role in economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Closing the door to the benefits of an open economy would cause untold damage. Instead, Clausing outlines a progressive agenda to manage globalization more effectively, presenting strategies to equip workers for a modern economy, improve tax policy, and establish a better partnership between labor and the business community.

Accessible, rigorous, and passionate, Open is the book we need to help us navigate the debates currently convulsing national and international economics and politics.

About this title

About the Author

Kimberly Clausing is Eric M. Zolt Professor of Tax Law and Policy at the UCLA School of Law. She is currently the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax Analysis) for the US Department of the Treasury. Clausing has written for the New York Times and Fortune and spoken on National Public Radio.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Asia Center
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674919335
• ISBN 13: 9780674919334
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320