An honest discussion of free trade and how nations can sensibly chart a path forward in today’s global economy Not so long ago the nation-state seemed to be on its deathbed, condemned to irrelevance by the forces of globalization and technology. Now it is back with a vengeance, propelled by a groundswell of populists around the world. In Straight Talk on Trade , Dani Rodrik, an early and outspoken critic of economic globalization taken too far, goes beyond the populist backlash and offers a more reasoned explanation for why our elites’ and technocrats’ obsession with hyper-globalization made it more difficult for nations to achieve legitimate economic and social objectives at home. Ranging over the recent experiences of advanced countries, the eurozone, and developing nations, Straight Talk on Trade charts a way forward with new ideas about how to reconcile today’s inequitable trends with liberal democracy and social inclusion. "One of Financial Times (FT.com) Best Books of 2017: Economics" "One of Bloomberg’s Best Books of 2017" "One of Project Syndicate’s Best Reads in 2017 (chosen by Kermal Dervi )" "Winner of the 2019 George S. Eccles Prize for Excellence in Economic Writing, Columbia Business School" “A pragmatic reading of the state of politics and the global economy.” ― Financial Times "A good introduction to one of the most thought-provoking economists working today." ―Edward Hadas, Reuters Breakingviews "A thoughtful, reasoned argument, of much interest to students of globalism and its discontents." ― Kirkus Reviews "Dani Rodrik is . . . an erudite critic of his profession and that―as well as the moment in history we are confronting―is what makes this book compelling." ―Shawn Donnan, Financial Times "In the thoughtful, ruminative essays collected and woven together here, [Rodrik] explains the deep tension between economic integration at the international level and democratic decision-making at the national level. "―Richard N. Cooper, Foreign Affairs "Dani Rodrik has long been the most perceptive critic of contemporary trading arrangements. "―Martin Wolf, Financial Times "All economists should read Straight Talk on Trade to appreciate how their own models are often richer than their policy advice. And all noneconomists should read this book to appreciate how much economics has to offer on the biggest questions of growth and inequality. The length of this book belies its stunning scope, ranging from developed to developing countries, the past to the present, and political science to economics. Dani Rodrik's eclectic methodology and advice support his unwavering, optimistic belief that economic ideas can and should help people shape their destinies." --Jason Furman, Harvard Kennedy School and former chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers "There is a ton of erudition and not an ounce of orthodoxy in this compact, incisive book. Dani Rodrik analyzes policy like an economist and analyzes economics like a philosopher. The net effect is a disarmingly fresh and penetrating set of insights on national self-determination, fair versus free trade, and the rich interplay between markets, governments, and individual identity in sustaining stable nation-states. Arguing for a rethinking and rebalancing of the teetering project of globalization, Rodrik offers something to delight and offend every reader." --David Autor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Dani Rodrik is one of the most original thinkers today on economics and development. In Straight Talk on Trade , he explains why there is so much discontentment with the multilateral system, and offers interesting proposals for how we might preserve what is good about it. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the roots of populist nationalism and the widespread angst in industrial societies today." --Raghuram Rajan, University of Chicago " Straight Talk on Trade presents a straightforward and readable agenda to make globalization serve democracy rather than undermine it, while avoiding the populist remedies being hawked by politicians today." --Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University "Amongst today's mainstream economists, there is a cottage industry of experts rationalizing the backlash against globalization. Dani Rodrik was one of the very few who warned about this backlash at least a decade in advance when the world was in thrall to the globalization fetish. A terrific guide to understanding this swinging pendulum, Straight Talk on Trade offers sensible suggestions on how not to love globalization if we are to preserve its many undeniable benefits." --Arvind Subramanian, chief economic adviser to the Government of India " Straight Talk on Trade looks at the possibility that the world has proceeded too hastily with globalization and emphasized globalization of the wrong kind. Dani Rodrik contends that we have neglected notions of national sovereignty at our peril, and his knowledge, sources, methods, and argu