American political economy in global perspective / Harold L. Wilensky.

"This book is a guide to claims about the proper role of government and markets in a global economy. Moving between systematic comparison of 19 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. He concentrates on what national differences mean for the well-being of nations and their people. Drawing on lessons from abroad and from America's own past successes, Wilensky shows how we can reverse our three-decade decline. He argues that, in order to get off the low road, we must overcome the myths of moderation, the rise of the independent voter, and a rightward shift of the electorate. He specifies a feasible domestic agenda that matches majority sentiments in all rich democracies"--Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 311-341) and index.

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: the United States 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 United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand; 5. Pensions coverage, U.S. health care remains unique; 6. The impact of 'globalization': an overview -- Part II. Moving the United States off the Low Road: Lessons from Abroad: 7. Low road vs high road: American exceptionalism; 8. Policy implications for the United States: how to get off the low road.

Print version record.

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