In "Trade is Not a Four-Letter Word," author Alan Beattie unravel the complexities of global trade, challenging the misconceptions that often cloud public perception. With a blend of sharp wit and insightful analysis, Beattie reveals how trade shapes economies, cultures, and even our everyday lives. He argues that the true value of trade lies not in mere exchanges of goods, but in the interconnectedness it fosters among nations. Through compelling anecdotes and data-driven discourse, the book invites readers to rethink their relationship with trade as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Prepare to be intrigued as you discover why trade might just hold the key to a prosperous future!
By Fred P. Hochberg
Published: 2021
"Trade is the lifeblood of growth and prosperity."
“A sprightly and clear-eyed testimonial to the value of globalization” (The Wall Street Journal) as seen through six surprising everyday goods—the taco salad, the Honda Odyssey, the banana, the iPhone, the college degree, and the blockbuster HBO series Game of Thrones. Trade allows us to sell what we produce at home and purchase what we don’t. It lowers prices and gives us greater variety and innovation. Yet understanding our place in the global trade network is rarely simple. Trade has become an easy excuse for struggling economies, a scapegoat for our failures to adapt to a changing world, and—for many Americans on both the right and the left—nothing short of a four-letter word. But as Fred P. Hochberg reminds us, trade is easier to understand than we commonly think. In Trade Is Not a Four-Letter Word, you’ll learn how NAFTA became a populist punching bag on both sides of the aisle. You’ll learn how Americans can avoid the grim specter of the $10 banana. And you’ll finally discover the truth about whether or not, as President Trump has famously tweeted, “trade wars are good and easy to win.” (Spoiler alert—they aren’t.) Hochberg debunks common trade myths by pulling back the curtain on six everyday products, each with a surprising story to tell: the taco salad, the Honda Odyssey, the banana, the iPhone, the college degree, and the smash hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Behind these six examples are stories that help explain not only how trade has shaped our lives so far but also how we can use trade to build a better future for our own families, for America, and for the world. Trade Is Not a Four-Letter Word is the antidote to today’s acronym-laden trade jargon pitched to voters with simple promises that rarely play out so one-dimensionally. Packed with colorful examples and highly digestible explanations, Trade Is Not a Four-Letter Word is “an accessible, necessary book that will increase our understanding of trade and economic policies and the ways in which they impact our daily lives” (Library Journal, starred review).
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“Trade is the lifeblood of growth and prosperity.”
Trade Is Not a Four-Letter Word
By Fred P. Hochberg
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Fred P. Hochberg is an accomplished author and former chairman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, where he played a pivotal role in promoting American exports and supporting small businesses. With a rich background in public service and business, he has been an influential figure in international trade and economic policy. Hochberg is also a respected leader in various philanthropic initiatives, emphasizing the importance of sustainable business practices and inclusivity. His writing often reflects his extensive experience in navigating complex economic landscapes and his commitment to fostering innovation. A graduate of both Yale University and the Wharton School, he continues to share his insights on economic development and entrepreneurship through his works and public engagements.
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