Off-Shoring the Middle Class
by Steve Mushero
Published by Virtualbookworm.com Publishing
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Reviewed by Muhammed Hassanali
Off-shoring the Middle Class has a fundamental premise: globalization is beneficial to everyone and is here to stay. Mushero argues that while our government may try to “protect” us with trade barriers, globalization will eventually catch up with us. The question is how prepared will we be when it finally comes. He argues that protectionist measures end up hurting all countries—especially those that institute these measures.
After the “gloom-and-doom” message, Mushero outlines the main competitive advantages that we have, and suggests areas where these advantages can be leveraged in world trade. The first few chapters outline the issues as Mushero sees them. The bulk of the book focuses on government policies that Mushero believes would leverage our natural advantages, and the last couple of chapters outline what corporations and individuals need to effectively compete in a global marketplace.
The case for global free trade is very compelling. The benefits of free trade percolate to all—people in developing and those in the developed nations. Those trying to restrict free trade tend to focus on specific industries and worry about how our share of the global pie of goods and services is shrinking. What these advocates discount is that world trade also increases the size of the entire pie (new markets and expanded markets as more of the world’s population demands goods and services that once were luxuries).
Some of Musharo’s assertions cause one to question his argument. For example, Musharo says that most Americans see globalization as taking jobs away from us. The assertion extends to individuals, politicians, and organizations (such as unions and professional groups). While this may have been true in the 1970s, we are now more aware of global issues, and hence better able to evaluate the impact of globalization.
Off-shoring the Middle Class makes a strong case for globalization and the salient assumptions are basically sound. Most readers are likely to see Mushero’s point of view and would probably take exception with some points of his argument, hence may not agree with some of his suggestions. Overall, his argument has merit and at least opens the door for further discussion.
Armchair Interviews says: Unique look at something that affects all of us.