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Free Trade under Fire
The 1990s began with fears of a "great sucking sound" of jobs lost due to the North American Free Trade Agreement and ended with opponents of the World Trade Organization taking to the streets in the "Battle of Seattle." Why has global trade become so controversial? Does free trade deserve its bad reputation? In Free Trade under Fire , Douglas Irwin sweeps aside the misconceptions that litter the debate over trade and gives the reader a clear understanding of the issues involved.
Putting the findings of an extensive body of economic research at the disposal of the general public, Irwin examines the positions of the proponents and critics of free trade--and makes plain the stakes involved in their disagreement, particularly for the United States. He explains the economic benefits of trade, not just for corporations but for people and the environment. He illustrates how protectionist policies damage the economy and fail to save jobs. Examining U.S. trade policy, he shows how "fair trade" measures are arbitrary, unfair, and often harmful. He then demystifies the World Trade Organization and sets the record straight about its controversial rulings on trade and the environment. Irwin does not hold up free trade as a panacea but demonstrates why it is our best alternative.
In a debate where assertions often masquerade as arguments, Irwin's analysis is firmly evidence-based--rooted in empirical research and relying on specific examples and illustrations. Finely argued, Free Trade under Fire makes a vast body of economic learning accessible to nonspecialists. It is an essential primer for anyone who wants to understand one of the most burning controversies of our time.
Putting the findings of an extensive body of economic research at the disposal of the general public, Irwin examines the positions of the proponents and critics of free trade--and makes plain the stakes involved in their disagreement, particularly for the United States. He explains the economic benefits of trade, not just for corporations but for people and the environment. He illustrates how protectionist policies damage the economy and fail to save jobs. Examining U.S. trade policy, he shows how "fair trade" measures are arbitrary, unfair, and often harmful. He then demystifies the World Trade Organization and sets the record straight about its controversial rulings on trade and the environment. Irwin does not hold up free trade as a panacea but demonstrates why it is our best alternative.
In a debate where assertions often masquerade as arguments, Irwin's analysis is firmly evidence-based--rooted in empirical research and relying on specific examples and illustrations. Finely argued, Free Trade under Fire makes a vast body of economic learning accessible to nonspecialists. It is an essential primer for anyone who wants to understand one of the most burning controversies of our time.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2002
About the author
Douglas A. Irwin
22 books27 followersDouglas A. Irwin
An economic historian, he is the John French Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College, one of the eight Ivy League universities in the United States, and a research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). He previously taught at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and served as an economist for the Federal Reserve and the President's Council of Economic Advisers. He has published seven books on U.S. economics and trade policy, making him a leading authority in the field. He is also a frequent contributor to The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Financial Times.
An economic historian, he is the John French Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College, one of the eight Ivy League universities in the United States, and a research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). He previously taught at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and served as an economist for the Federal Reserve and the President's Council of Economic Advisers. He has published seven books on U.S. economics and trade policy, making him a leading authority in the field. He is also a frequent contributor to The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Financial Times.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 12, 2019
Read for my Government class, Politics of International Trade.
Irwin has a clear pro-free trade tilt, but this book was good at explaining why anti-trade arguments aren't effective or beneficial overall. I disagree with the author on some points, especially his claim that the 'race to the bottom' doesn't exist, and with his use of the common "1.25 dollars a day" metric to define poverty (it's harmfully simple! the bar is too low! cost of living varies across time and space, duh!) but I do feel more educated about the intricacies of trade policy now. I also appreciate that Irwin isn't totally extreme; in the conclusion, he writes, "Effective environmental and safety regulations should not be avoided simply because they reduce international trade. The notion that all trade must be kept free at all costs is simply wrong."
TL;DR this book is good food for thought.
Irwin has a clear pro-free trade tilt, but this book was good at explaining why anti-trade arguments aren't effective or beneficial overall. I disagree with the author on some points, especially his claim that the 'race to the bottom' doesn't exist, and with his use of the common "1.25 dollars a day" metric to define poverty (it's harmfully simple! the bar is too low! cost of living varies across time and space, duh!) but I do feel more educated about the intricacies of trade policy now. I also appreciate that Irwin isn't totally extreme; in the conclusion, he writes, "Effective environmental and safety regulations should not be avoided simply because they reduce international trade. The notion that all trade must be kept free at all costs is simply wrong."
TL;DR this book is good food for thought.
March 20, 2007
A good Republican handbook. Of course, I'm not a Republican and I found some of the analysis - particularly the "responses to criticism of free trade" section - a little underdone and sometimes trite (e.g., "to the auto workers, I say: deal with it!"). But other than that, it's a somewhat helpful guide, especially if you don't speak economics; it's basically the argument for free trade, in plain English.
June 6, 2020
Despite reading this close to 20 years after publication, I still found it to be highly readable and a good clear, concise guide to the theory of free trade, the major challenges that it faced and government policy to free trade and the role of the WTO.
A nice start to the book explaining the factors that led to the emergence of free trade theory and dealing with concerns over the impact of free trade on the environment and jobs and wages. Perhaps a bit U.S. centric and the section on the WTO is of course now out of date, but still useful as a primer on the subject.
A nice start to the book explaining the factors that led to the emergence of free trade theory and dealing with concerns over the impact of free trade on the environment and jobs and wages. Perhaps a bit U.S. centric and the section on the WTO is of course now out of date, but still useful as a primer on the subject.
July 22, 2020
I loved the book.
It did solid my thoughts and beliefs about the trade further!
I also appreciated Mr.Irwin's sincerity toward analyzing the issues between developed and developing countries. He took the interests of developing countries into account and sometimes took their side.
If you are skeptical about trade and WTO's activity, the book is for you!
It did solid my thoughts and beliefs about the trade further!
I also appreciated Mr.Irwin's sincerity toward analyzing the issues between developed and developing countries. He took the interests of developing countries into account and sometimes took their side.
If you are skeptical about trade and WTO's activity, the book is for you!
November 17, 2017
Excellent discussion of the mechanics of free trade. The book was straightforward and reader-friendly for an economics text. I would recommend it to those wishing to learn more about the benefits and impacts of free trade.
December 31, 2012
I'm taking a masters class on Global Economics and this book is a requirement for the course. I am new to economics in the sense I haven't purposely thrown myself into the midst of economics to learn what it all means. We are hit with economics on a daily basis with every product we purchase, so its relevant to all. The focus of the book is "for" Free Trade and provided a good basis and for me, an understanding of the nuances of Free Trade. The course presented all facets of Protectionism, Free Trade, and Globalization from a global perspective and this book was important for that learning. I do recommend, "The Choice: A Fable of Free Trade and Protectionism" by Russell Roberts for those who are very new to learning - presenting free trade as a story - it's a great precursor to learning on the topic, yet definitely one-sided perspective.
April 6, 2016
This is one of those technical books which is aimed at challenging the intelligent, non-economist layperson. While a read does not qualify the reader for a PhD, the writer does help us understand the issues inherent in the trade debate and to dispel many of the myths surrounding international trade.
Here are the major points I learned: 1. trade issues are much too complex to be dealt with as brief talking points and slogans during election campaigns; 2. voters should learn to trust experts in this difficult area once the political leadership has clearly stated the objectives for trade negotiations; 3. American citizens should support free trade and allow the government to work to ameliorate temporary labor dislocations.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in this vital national issue and is willing to be challenged mentally.
Here are the major points I learned: 1. trade issues are much too complex to be dealt with as brief talking points and slogans during election campaigns; 2. voters should learn to trust experts in this difficult area once the political leadership has clearly stated the objectives for trade negotiations; 3. American citizens should support free trade and allow the government to work to ameliorate temporary labor dislocations.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in this vital national issue and is willing to be challenged mentally.
April 17, 2010
This book dispels the myths about the perils of free trade. It makes a pretty good case for the promotion of free trade. Lots of graphs and data to back up the arguments. There was not one myth, that I had heard of, that was not addressed in the book.
Would make a great gift for someone who falsely believes that the free market system is bad for America.
Would make a great gift for someone who falsely believes that the free market system is bad for America.
June 22, 2007
Irwin gives a good look at the problems and progress that is the World Trade Organization. If you are looking for a book that goes beyond the WTO spectre, this isn't for you, but it is a good source on WTO contriversy
June 26, 2007
A great primer on International Economics
sounds-interesting
July 30, 2009Heard this guy speak today; it was really interesting.
Read
October 27, 2018an economic liberal for SURE
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews