Freedom from Want

In this provocative new book, Gresser shows how American liberals who look to put the brakes on globalization have unwittingly turned their backs on the poor in abandoning a tradition heralded by Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Clinton. Freedom From Want claims that American liberals have forgotten where they came from and have little idea how to move forward. Gresser’s book restores the traditional, liberal vision of the global economy and prepares it for the future. Firstly, Gresser traces back the American tradition of liberal internationalism, and explains how and why it got off track. Secondly, Gresser reaches into the depths of trade policy for clear examples of how today’s liberals are perpetuating policies that hurt the poor by leaving American jobs unprotected. Thirdly, the book explores how the same policies bring about suffering and instability in the world’s poorest countries. Finally, Gresser looks to the future with liberal ideas to reform America’s trade system, eliminate its bias against the poor, and promote stability and prosperity abroad.

Edward Gresser has served as Director of the Progressive Policy Institute's (PPI) Project on Trade and Global Markets since February 2001. In this capacity, he writes and speaks on the value of open markets, internationalism and social responsibility in the global economy. Mr. Gresser's major focuses have included investigation of the American tariff system, Trade Promotion Authority and the future U.S. trade negotiating agenda, hemispheric integration, economic relations with China in the wake of WTO membership and Asian affairs, as well as international finance and labor issues.