Trade Wars Are Class Wars

How Rising Inequality Distorts the Global Economy and Threatens International Peace

By: Matthew C. Klein, Michael Pettis

Narrated by: Bob Souer

A provocative look at how today's trade conflicts are caused by governments promoting the interests of elites at the expense of workers.

Trade disputes are usually understood as conflicts between countries with competing national interests, but as Matthew C. Klein and Michael Pettis show in this book, they are often the unexpected result of domestic political choices to serve the interests of the rich at the expense of workers and ordinary retirees.

Klein and Pettis trace the origins of today's trade wars to decisions made by politicians and business leaders in China, Europe, and the United States over the past 30 years. Across the world, the rich have prospered while workers can no longer afford to buy what they produce, have lost their jobs, or have been forced into higher levels of debt.

In this thought-provoking challenge to mainstream views, the authors provide a cohesive narrative that shows how the class wars of rising inequality are a threat to the global economy and international peace-and what we can do about it.

©2020 Matthew C. Klein and Michael Pettis (P)2020 Tantor

well worth it but a difficult read

The topics in this book are very interesting and the author definitely goes into enough detail but this isn't the kind of book you can let your mind wander during.

Insightful and Knowledgeable

If you want to understand more about the root behind the purpose of trade wars, them this book offers excellent insight. This book really helped open my eyes to many ideas and concepts that were foreign to me.

The only complaint I have is the narrator's breathing. In an earbud it can get annoying.

Solid data leads to understanding

As Kettering said - a problem well stated is a problem half solved. This book helps to understand how we got to where we are and closer with practical suggestions. I hope legislators and representatives read this.

An excellent account of Trade and Economics

This is an excellent economics book that is clearly narrated and educates the reader on an astonishing array of factors in Finance, Economics, and Trade. Treats the subject like a science. From pure models like Ricardo to complex political economics of money-flow between nations.

The best - explaining how different economies managed development. Like the Early United States. Gives an excellent and intelligent explanation of the modern Japanese malaise. Even things like early 19th century banking and international finance.

Eurozone chapter, amazing. The explanation of tax haven mechanics, the best I have read, anywhere. Also, the chapter on trade and logistics optimization is great. I learned a great deal. This book is so good, It should cost 2 Credits.

When a book is this good, 5 stars is not enough.

Interesting prospective on global trade

Thought provoking book, with an excellent history of global trade imbalances and interesting speculation on their causes. Conclusions about how to correct current imbalances challenge every day solutions, and should promote some good policy discussions. Highly recommend reading this.