Description: In an era marked by international tension and global challenges, governments have responded by increasing their focus on industrial policy to enhance certain economic sectors. While the United States is often seen to be a free-market economy lacking significant government intervention, Governing Growth shows this is not the case. It charts the history of American industrial policy spanning from the Founding Fathers to Donald Trump's current presidency. The book speaks to the importance of understanding burgeoning industrial policy around the world through a historical lens. The book also offers context to Trump's unique approach to trade protection and industrial policy and the likely consequences.
Review Quotes: "This majestic account corrects the popular misconception of pervasive private dominance over American economic life. Instead, government policy has massively shaped the national economy for most of the past 250 years. Neoliberal ascendancy during presidencies from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush has proved to be a short interlude." -- Gary Clyde Hufbauer, Peterson Institute for International Economics
"The ebb and flow of academic fashions has obscured the long history of industrial policy in the US. This much-needed book documents the federal government's deep and multitudinous engagement with industrial promotion throughout the course of the republic." -- Dani Rodrik, Harvard Kennedy School