In her insightful book Open: The Progressive Case for Free Trade, Immigration, and Global Capital, Kimberly Clausing offers a compelling argument for the economic and societal benefits of openness, particularly in the areas of trade, immigration, and global capital. Clausing, a renowned economist and professor, addresses the often misunderstood aspects of globalization, making the case that progressive policies and an open economy can work hand in hand to foster prosperity and fairness. At a time when political rhetoric on both sides of the aisle often promotes protectionism and isolationism, Clausing’s book provides a refreshing perspective on why staying open to the world is crucial for economic growth, equality, and innovation. Her analysis is data-driven yet accessible, offering readers a roadmap for how the U.S. and other nations can thrive in an interconnected world.

Clausing begins by tackling one of the most hotly debated topics: free trade. She methodically explains how trade has been essential to economic growth, dispelling the myth that free trade solely benefits corporations at the expense of workers. Using empirical evidence, Clausing illustrates how international trade increases productivity, lowers prices, and provides consumers with more choices. She acknowledges that while there are winners and losers in the short term, the long-term benefits of trade are undeniable.

One of the memorable quotes from this section is, “Trade is not a zero-sum game; it is a driver of growth and innovation, lifting millions out of poverty worldwide.” This quote encapsulates Clausing’s view that free trade, when paired with progressive policies, can lead to a more equitable world.

Clausing provides specific examples, such as the boom in the technology sector in the U.S., which has thrived due to the availability of global supply chains and access to international markets. She contrasts this with industries like steel manufacturing, which have struggled due to technological shifts rather than trade per se. The key takeaway here is that while some sectors may be negatively impacted by globalization, protectionism is not the solution—retraining and education are.

In the second section of Open, Clausing delves into immigration, which she posits is one of the most misunderstood aspects of an open society. She argues that immigrants contribute significantly to the economy, both as workers and as entrepreneurs, and that they help to offset demographic declines in many countries. Clausing notes that much of the backlash against immigration is rooted in fear and misinformation, emphasizing that immigrants do not “steal” jobs but instead complement the existing workforce.

An important example Clausing uses is that of Silicon Valley, where a significant portion of startups are founded by immigrants. She also references the agricultural sector, which heavily relies on immigrant labor to keep costs down and maintain productivity. Her argument is that immigration reform should focus on better integration and support for immigrants, rather than restricting their entry.

A second memorable quote from this chapter is, “Immigration is the lifeblood of innovation; it brings new ideas, perspectives, and energy to economies that would otherwise stagnate.” This idea resonates throughout the chapter as Clausing ties immigration directly to the long-term health of the U.S. economy.

Clausing also explores the humanitarian aspect of immigration, arguing that countries like the U.S. have a moral responsibility to welcome refugees and those fleeing persecution. By doing so, these nations not only uphold human rights but also strengthen their own economies.

The third section of Open addresses global capital flows, which Clausing argues are essential for economic growth and development. She explains that global capital allows countries to invest in infrastructure, education, and technology, leading to long-term prosperity. Clausing is careful to differentiate between the types of capital flows, noting that while some, like foreign direct investment (FDI), are beneficial, others, like speculative finance, can lead to instability.

One key example Clausing provides is the post-WWII Marshall Plan, which she describes as one of the most successful instances of global capital being used for economic development. She draws parallels to modern-day efforts to lift developing nations out of poverty through investment and financial aid, arguing that these efforts are vital for global stability and growth.

Another significant quote from this section is, “Global capital is not the enemy; it is a tool that, if properly managed, can foster prosperity and reduce inequality.” Clausing uses this idea to argue against the demonization of multinational corporations, asserting that they can be forces for good when held accountable to progressive standards.

Clausing devotes an entire chapter to discussing the role of government in managing the challenges and opportunities of globalization. She argues that while free trade, immigration, and capital flows are beneficial, they must be accompanied by robust government policies to ensure that the benefits are broadly shared. Progressive taxation, strong labor protections, and investments in education and infrastructure are crucial components of a successful open economy.

She provides the example of Denmark, which has successfully managed to integrate a high degree of openness with strong social protections. The Danish model, she argues, demonstrates that it is possible to have both a competitive economy and a strong welfare state.

A memorable quote from this chapter is, “A fair and open economy is one where the government plays an active role in ensuring that the fruits of globalization are enjoyed by all, not just a privileged few.” This encapsulates Clausing’s central argument that openness and progressivism are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, reinforce each other.

In the penultimate chapter, Clausing takes on the critics of free trade, immigration, and global capital, particularly those on the political left who argue that openness exacerbates inequality. She acknowledges that globalization has led to disruptions in certain sectors, but she counters that the solution is not to close borders or retreat into protectionism. Instead, she calls for more targeted policies that address inequality directly, such as stronger labor unions, minimum wage laws, and universal healthcare.

One of the more pointed examples Clausing uses is the rise of populism in the U.S. and Europe, which she attributes to economic anxiety and a failure of governments to address the downsides of globalization. She argues that the populist response—closing borders, erecting trade barriers, and vilifying immigrants—is counterproductive and will ultimately harm the very people it claims to protect.

In her concluding chapter, Clausing paints an optimistic vision for the future of an open society. She argues that while there are challenges to openness, such as climate change and political instability, these can be addressed through international cooperation and progressive policies. Clausing calls on policymakers to resist the siren song of protectionism and isolationism, urging them to embrace openness as a path to a more prosperous and equitable world.

Her final quote is a powerful reminder of the stakes: “The future of the global economy depends on our ability to remain open—open to trade, open to immigrants, and open to new ideas. Closing ourselves off will only lead to stagnation and decline.”

Open: The Progressive Case for Free Trade, Immigration, and Global Capital has been praised for its clear, data-driven analysis and its timely message. As debates over trade, immigration, and globalization continue to dominate political discourse, Clausing’s book serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the benefits of openness in a progressive context. With its emphasis on both economic growth and social equity, the book is particularly relevant as nations grapple with the challenges of the 21st century, including automation, inequality, and climate change.

Open: The Progressive Case for Free Trade, Immigration, and Global Capital by Kimberly Clausing is a well-researched and persuasive argument for why progressive policies and an open economy can work together to create a fairer and more prosperous world. Through detailed analysis, specific examples, and memorable quotes, Clausing makes the case that free trade, immigration, and global capital are not the enemies of progress but essential components of it. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of globalization, Clausing’s work remains a vital contribution to the conversation on how best to navigate an interconnected world.