The church of global free trade, which rules American politics with infallible pretensions, may have finally met its Martin Luther. An unlikely dissenter has come forward with a revised understanding of globalization that argues for thorough reformation. This man knows the global trading system from the inside because he is a respected veteran of multinational business. His ideas contain an explosive message: that what established authorities teach Americans about global trade is simply wrong disastrously wrong for the United States.
William Greider
The Nation
Combine economies of scale with many industries. Stir in some old theory and some new technique. Out comes a complex and novel picture of a world trading pattern in which national strategy can really matter. This book should be read carefully, but above all it should be read.
Robert M. Solow, Institute Professor of Economics, Emeritus, MIT, and Nobel Laureate in Economics
When you pair a world-class mathematician with a world-class economist, you should be prepared for a spectacular outcome. The Gomory-Baumol book is an apt illustration. They have cast new light on an old finding: the possibility under increasing returns of multiple equilibria, some Pareto-better than others, and each affecting the distribution of gains (in the superior equilibria) differentially. This is a book to be treasured by trade specialists.
Jagdish Bhagwati, Arthur Lehman Professor of Economics, Columbia University
In this lucid, marvelously accessible work, Ralph Gomory and William Baumol draw on the theory of economies of scale in maintaining the viability of established manufacturers. They also consider the possibilities of limited governmental intervention to influence which of the many possible equilibria will be realized.
Herbet E. Scarf, Sterling Professor of Economics, Yale University
This book is a gem and reads like a thriller. John McDonald was a superb business writer who combined an innate understanding of context with an appreciation of strategy. The book should be read by all who are concerned with business reporting, business, and legal advice.
Maritn Shubik, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University
