Overview

An informed argument for an economic policy based on bridges of preparation and adaptation rather than walls of protection and exclusion   “When technological change and globalization in recent decades brought frustration over the resulting losses to jobs and communities, there were no guardrails to get these workers back on track. As this compelling book shows, our nation is going to need bridges to help people get through the unavoidable transformations.”—Edmund Phelps, 2006 Nobel Laureate in Economics and author of Mass Flourishing   Free-market economists often have noted that there are winners and losers in a competitive capitalist world. The question of how to deal with the difficult real-life consequences faced by the losers, however, has largely been ignored. Populist politicians have tried repeatedly to address the issue by creating walls—of both the physical and economic kinds—to insulate communities and keep competition at bay. While recognizing the broad emotional appeal of walls, economist Glenn Hubbard argues that because they delay needed adaptations to the ever-changing world, walls are essentially backward-looking and ultimately destined to fail. Taking Adam Smith’s logic to Youngstown, Ohio, as a case study in economic disruption, Hubbard promotes the benefits of an open economy and creating bridges to support people in turbulent times so that they remain engaged and prepared to participate in, and reap the rewards of, a new economic landscape.

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9780300271164

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Given the tight global labour market, [Hubbard's] points on training workers--that corporations benefit in the long term by investing in the development of their workers--are timely. The upshot is that to flourish, we all need to build bridges. Government policy must play a central role, while businesses must invest in its people and communities. --Financial Times Those who gain from change need to compensate the losers. But 'compensation is not a check from a gainer to the loser, but a basic principle that support for preparation (opportunity) and reconnection (social insurance) must accompany market acceptance of change. It preserves both the gains of market capitalism and dynamism, and popular support for those gains.' Hubbard's support for such ideas is to me surprising, important and correct. --Martin Wolf, The Economist, Best New Books on Economics In the tortured partisan debate on economic policy, it is a rare pleasure to find a superb scholar such as Glenn Hubbard framing issues from the center. --Kenneth Rogoff, Harvard University Glenn Hubbard's rare blend of a keen mind, a facile pen, and copious government experience makes him a voice worth listening to. I always do, even when we disagree. The Wall and the Bridge is a great read--packed with good ideas and sprightly writing. --Alan S. Blinder, Princeton University When technological change and globalization in recent decades brought frustration over the resulting losses to jobs and communities, there were no guardrails to get these workers back on track. As this compelling book shows, our nation is going to need bridges to help people get through the unavoidable transformations. --Edmund Phelps, 2006 Nobel Laureate in Economics and author of Mass Flourishing

Author Information

Glenn Hubbard, Russell L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics and dean emeritus at Columbia Business School, was chairman of the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers from 2001 through 2003.

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