Restoring America's Economic Competitiveness

Project Expert

Edward Alden
Edward Alden

Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow

About the Project

Over the past half century, the United States has gone from being a relatively self-sufficient economy to one that is far more deeply integrated into the global economy. That transformation means that the prosperity and ultimately the security of the United States now depends far more on America's success in global markets. Yet government policy, especially at the federal level, has not adapted well to this new reality. In my 2016 book, Failure to Adjust: How Americans Got Left Behind in the Global Economy, and How to Get Ahead, I argued that the federal government has repeatedly failed to respond effectively to the competitive challenges of this new era on such issues as trade, currency, worker re-training, education, infrastructure and support for innovation. I am continuing these topics through the Renewing America program, regular articles in Foreign Policy and other publications, lectures and panel discussions, and a CFR roundtable series on American competitiveness.

This project is made possible through the support of the Bernard and Irene Schwartz Foundation.