Freedom From Want: American Liberalism and the Global Economy

by Edward Gresser

In this provocative new book, Gresser shows how American liberals who look to put the brakes on globalization have unwittingly turned their backs on the poor in abandoning a tradition heralded by Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Clinton. Freedom From Want claims that American liberals have forgotten where they came from and have little idea how to move forward. Gresser’s book restores the traditional, liberal vision of the global economy and prepares it for the future. Firstly, Gresser traces back the American tradition of liberal internationalism, and explains how and why it got off track. Secondly, Gresser reaches into the depths of trade policy for clear examples of how today’s liberals are perpetuating policies that hurt the poor by leaving American jobs unprotected. Thirdly, the book explores how the same policies bring about suffering and instability in the world’s poorest countries. Finally, Gresser looks to the future with liberal ideas to reform America’s trade system, eliminate its bias against the poor, and promote stability and prosperity abroad.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2007

Reviews

[Ethan S · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on Global Trade policy. The first part is a history of economic trade, mostly focusing on America and its history or tariff's and subsidies but also touching on economies throughout histroy. It's actually more entertaining and enlightening than that sounds like. The second part focuses on the present and recent history and uses several examples to make the author's point that tariffs and subsidies almost always hurt the poor, both in the country enacting them and in the country they are enforced against, and rarely protect the industry or manufacturers they are designed to.
Gresser makes a very strong case against tariffs and subsidies in general and for the fact that a more open economic policy is almost always more beneficial for all countries. One of the last subjects he touches on is probably one of the strongest and most relevant but also probably would be the most controversial. He details the worsening economic plight of the Middle Eastern Muslim countries and how that contributes to Al Queda and the rise of extremists and terrorism. That a more open economic policy with these countries, encouraging industry and job growth could do a lot to lessen the strength of extremist groups.
This is an interesting book and a good read, not to dry but it's not one you will be breathlessly turning the pages of. If you have an interest in economics, trade policy and global politics you can get a lot out of it.

[Timothy R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the Smoot-Hawley Act and the relationship between tariffs and the income tax, but I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the rift between modern-day liberals and FDR's trade agenda. After all, that's what the book is supposed to be about.