The rules of the global game : a new look at US international economic policymaking /

This is an excellent and timely book. Dam draws on both his academic economics (Univ. of Chicago Law School) and his practical experience of inside-the-beltway politics (a long and distinguished career capped by his current position as deputy secretary of the US treasury) in this valuable "new look at U.S. international economic policy." Dam examines the most important issues of international trade, finance, and immigration policy and asks three questions: What is the current US policy? What should it be from the standpoint of mainstream economic theory? And, why is there a difference between theory and practice? Explanations of current policy are clear and informative, complete with historical context. In addition, the economic analysis is clear and free of the graphs and equations that sometimes scare away the very people who most need to read a book like this. Finally, Dam's analysis of the political economy of international economic policy focuses on interest group dynamics, as one would expect, but he does not simply blame all problems on the evils of special interests. He seeks opportunities for interest group competition and "economic statecraft" to improve public policy outcomes. Highly recommended for general readers as well as lower-division undergraduate through professional audiences. M. Veseth University of Puget Sound