Chapter 5 > The Global Economy > Overview

U.S. Report - pdf version Leaders Questionnaire - pdf version Public Questionnaire - pdf version

Overview: The Global Economy

One of the most dramatic facts that Americans encounter as they look out at the world is the increased globalization of the world economy. Flows of trade, investment, and immigration pour across international boundaries, and economic conditions in other parts of the world impact Americans’ daily lives in multiple ways, some positive and some negative.

Today, Americans are generally confident about their economic position in the world relative to other countries since 1998. They show an overall positive attitude toward globalization, but there is evidence of growing concern about its effects, especially its impact on the job security of American workers. There is increased concern about U.S. domestic economic health as well as high concern about immigration. The public’s support for free trade is conditioned on the needs of workers being addressed. At the same, most Americans show a readiness to address certain problems that could entail large economic costs, such as world poverty and hunger.