Nobel laureate economist Angus Deaton sings the praises of globalization. (HT Yann Nicolas) A slice:
The first thing we need to understand when we think about globalization is that it has benefited an enormous number of people who are not part of the global elite. Despite continuing population growth, the number of people who are poor worldwide has fallen by more than a billion in the last 30 years. The beneficiaries include the no-longer poor in, among other countries, India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Mexico. In the rich world, all income groups benefit, because goods – from smartphones to clothing to children’s toys – are cheaper. Policies aimed at reversing globalization will lead only to a decrease in real income as goods become more expensive.
The call to rein in globalization reflects a belief that it has eliminated jobs in the West, sending them East and South. But the biggest threat to traditional jobs is not Chinese or Mexican; it is a robot. That is why manufacturing output in the US continues to rise, even as manufacturing employment falls.
Speaking of globalization, Marty Mazorra puts some questions to Trump & Co.
Alex Nowrasteh offers further thoughts on the economic consequences of the Mariel boat lift.
Here’s Bart Hinkle on how to replace Obamacare.
Abby Hall Blanco writes wisely about Venezuela’s continuing calamities.
Richard Ebeling reminds us of David Ricardo’s wisdom.
Jonah Goldberg reflects on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.
