Hochberg has written an expert defense of trade while also explaining the myths that have clouded our understanding of the ways in which trade fits into everyday life ... The author distills for readers the fact that there will always be winners and losers in trade relationships, but that trade supports a greater good for American society—and this point needs to be better understood ... Hochberg has written an accessible, necessary book that will increase our understanding of trade and economic policies and the ways in which they impact our daily lives. Highly recommended.
... a sprightly and clear-eyed testimonial to the value of globalization ... Mr. Hochberg is savvy enough to know that trade is never free of goals fashioned by politicians, and he acknowledges that trade wars, while often costly, 'are nowhere near as devastating as actual wars' ... Mr. Hochberg argues persuasively that Mr. Trump, if you take him at his word, displays a 'fundamental misunderstanding' of trade in his exaggerated concern over trade deficits.
[Hochberg] highlights six invaluable products that embody our country’s trade interdependence, including our diverse food system, the most American car on the road (the Honda Odyssey, 75 percent American-made), our computers and smartphones, and, intriguingly, our educational system. He also takes criticisms head-on, agreeing with many of them—including the fact that there really are losers in the bargain—while offering mitigations. Oddly, he ignores the most damning criticism: the huge carbon footprint produced by global trade. Still, an approachable, well-argued work.
