Category Archives: Globalization

What’s Happening to Italy?

Myths and realities concerning the results of the recent Italian elections: who won, who lost, and who simply got it wrong

Michael Hudson: Trump’s Travesty of Protectionism

Why Trump’s tariffs hit the wrong target.

Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: How WTO Retaliation Typically Works

A review of some of the permitted counter-moves under WTO rules if Trump imposes tariffs.

Why Trump Is So Clumsy About Fighting ‘Free Trade’

Why what looks like a trade problem is really a financialization problem, and therefore there are much better solutions than using tariffs.

European Court of Justice Nixes “Investor-State Dispute Settlement” Intra EU, Raising Doubts About Its Future

Is it the beginning of the end for “Investor-State Dispute Settlement” clauses that have undermined democracies, and specifically, labor and environmental protection?

Trump’s Tariff Threat to Kick Off Trade War?

Trump is threatening to kick off a trade slugfest via tariffs on steel and aluminum. Will he follow through?

With Official Unemployment This Low, Why Are Wages Rising So Slowly?

Why has wage growth been lousy in a supposed recovery? Thank your politicians for fostering the growth of the precariat.

Tories, Trapped by Their Red Lines, Again Blame EU as Clock Runs Down

Assume the brace position. A hard Brexit is looking more likely.

Corbyn’s Brexit Challenge: From the Frying Pan into the Fire?

Unfortunately, Corbyn finally stepping into the Brexit fray looks like different cherry picking and potentially even more political upheaval.

Dire Consequences of Ignoring Trade in Climate Change Targets: On Track to 3.5 C Temperature Increase by 2100

Astonishingly, climate change accords like Kyoto and Paris ignore the impact of trade. That omission means our collective goose is cooked.

Tories Double Down on Brexit Fantasies as EU Again Says “Nein”

Yet another Groundhog Day in Brexit land…

Law Professor Proposes Bringing Back Indentured Servitude

Indentured servitude is the new idea for how to get immigrants to come to American at less than minimum wage pay.

Davos: Alive or Dead?

Politicians and economists are meeting at Davos, but as times change, does neoliberalism retain its cachet?

Another Brexit Mess: “Grandfathering” Existing Free Trade Agreements Looks Unlikely

Another item on the Brexit problem list: what to do about free trade agreements that will cease to apply to the UK on Brexit day.

Growth-Equity Trade-Offs in Structural Reforms

There is a fear that certain reforms could further exacerbate inequality….