Trade and the American Dream: A Social History of Postwar Trade Policy

Abstract

In Trade and American Dream, Susan Aaronson highlights a previously ignored dimension of United States trade policy: public understanding. Focusing on debate over three mechanisms designed to govern world trade - International Trade Organization (ITO), General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and World Trade Organization (WTO) - she examines how policymakers communicate and how public comprehends trade policy. As the American century draws to a close, message is clear: American public's aspirations - indeed, traditional pursuit of American Dream - should be reflected in international trade policy. Aaronson suggests ways to create greater public understanding for GATT/WTO and international trade as America enters twenty-first century. If national trade policy is to play in Peoria, Americans must first understand it.