Retreat from Globalization? Current U.S. Policies and Historical Precedents

The post-war international economic order was based on two fundamental pillars: American leadership and multilateralism. Both of those are, to some extent, under threat today. The United States is on a different path with respect to international economic relations, than had been the case over the past decades. Increasing tariffs are just one example of a reversal of prior efforts aimed at greater globalization and more economic integration. This reversal has not just occurred in the United States: Brexit stands as a prime example. What have been the forces driving a splintering in globalization? Are there historical precedents for this? What type of international economic regime is likely to emerge? Professor Jeffry Frieden joins EconoFact Chats to address these questions and discuss present and past linkages between domestic politics and international economics. Jeff is Professor of International and Public Affairs and Political Science at Columbia University, and Professor of Government emeritus at Harvard University. His teaching and research focus on the politics of international economic relations.