American Political Economy in Global Perspective
Cambridge University Press, 5/17/2012
EAN 9781107638952, ISBN10: 110763895X
Paperback, 384 pages, 23.5 x 15.5 x 2.2 cm
Language: English
This book is a guide to claims about the proper role of government and markets in a global economy. Moving between systematic comparison of nineteen rich democracies and debate about what the United States can do to restore a more civilized, egalitarian and fair society, Harold L. Wilensky tells us how six of these countries got on a low road to economic progress and which components of their labor-crunch strategy are uniquely American. He provides an overview of the impact of major dimensions of globalization, only one of which – the interaction of the internationalization of finance and the rapid increase in the autonomy of central banks – undermines either national sovereignty or job security, labor standards, and the welfare state. Although Wilensky views American policy and politics through the lens of globalization, he concludes that the nation-state remains the center of personal identity, social solidarity and political action.
Part I. Globalization, Public Policy, and the Wellbeing of People
1. The welfare state as the center of public finance and political conflict
2. Energy policy and performance
US and the world
3. What tradeoffs are good and bad for the economy?
domestic structures and policies that permit adaptation to globalization
4. Retrenchment of the welfare state?
the fate of 'cutback budgeting' in Italy, France, Germany, the US, UK and New Zealand
5. Pensions coverage
US health care remains unique
6. The impact of 'globalization'
an overview
Part II. Moving the US. off the Low Road
Lessons from Abroad
7. Low road versus high road
American exceptionalism
8. Policy implications for the United States
how to get off the low road.