Globalization Initiative
NDN's Globalization Initiative was established to promote economic growth and restore broad-based prosperity in our globalized economy. Chaired by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs under President Bill Clinton, the program works to address the structural changes affecting the American and global economies. NDN argues that a "lost decade," marked by declining household incomes, remains the most important factor in the American economy and politics.
Our agenda for addressing the structural changes inherent in the era of globalization includes three key components: modernizing our healthcare and energy policies, investing in 21st century skills and infrastructure, and accelerating innovation across the economy. NDN also continues to play a major role in the debate over how to best manage the Great Recession and fosters dialogue around renewing the national consensus on global economic liberalization.
Papers and Memos
Written over a series of weeks in April 2010, this collection of four pieces lays out a new economic strategy for America that creates broad-based prosperity and addresses the America's great economic challenges in the era of globalization.
Tapping the Resources of America’s Community Colleges: 7/26/07: By Robert J. Shapiro
Young Americans are increasingly adept at working with computers, but many American workers still lack those skills. Here, we propose a direct new approach to giving U.S. workers the opportunity to develop those skills.
We believe that America needs to put a laptop in every backpack of every child. We need to commit to a date and grade certain: we suggest 2010 for every sixth grader.
The American people want the new Democratic majorities in the House and Senate to focus and pursue an aggressive strategy to help them and their families get ahead.
We believe that an agreement with Central America is so important to how Americans approach the 21st century that we must commit ourselves to help negotiate and pass a better CAFTA.
Major Events
Growing the Next Economy 12/7/11
On Wednesday, December 7th, NDN hosted the Director of Multi-State Initiatives in the Office of Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber and Karl Agne, a partner at GBA Strategies, for a lunchtime discussion about bottom up economic growth, accelerating the ideas that work, and creating the Next Economy. Joining us were
A Look at Current Global & Domestic Economic Challenges 7/26/11
On Tuesday, July 26th NDN hosted a morning conversation about the economic challenges facing America and the world featuring views from the United States Senate, House and the British House of Commons.
Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco J Sanchez at NDN 4/26/11
On Tuesday, April 26, NDN hosted Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco J Sanchez. Sanchez was joined by NDN Globalization Initiative Chair and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs Dr. Robert Shapiro.
National Economic Council Deputy Director Jason Furman on Winning the Future 2/22/11
Following the release of the President's budget, Jason Furman, the Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council joined NDN for a discussion of the budget, the economy, and the President's strategy to make America competitive in the global economy of the 21st century.
Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Robert Hormats on Global Economic Challenges 11/15/10
On November 15, NDN hosted Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Agricultural Affairs Robert Hormats for an important address on global economic challenges.
Blogs
Visit the Globalization Initiative blog for more of our ongoing work.
Visit Globalization Initiative Chair Robert Shapiro's blog.
Visit Globalization Initiative Deputy Policy Director Jake Berliner's blog.
Recent Work
As China surpasses Japan to become the world's second largest economy, Dr. Robert Shapiro writes that the United States should learn lessons from the Japanese decline.
Using BLS data, Rob Shapiro shows how Republicans are responsible for 92 percent of the increase in unemployment - a figure voters should be aware of come November. Furthermore, Rob outlines a four-part plan for Democrats to create jobs and win back voters.
Building on recent struggles in Congress to do more for the economy than pass the extension of unemployment insurance, NDN outlines a political and policy framework to take steps in 2010 that promote near-term job creation and economic growth.
President Obama must face the current reality: recovery is slower than expected and the possibility of a second recession, this time beginning in Europe, exists. However, by forcing his opponents to concede to sensible measures, Obama can still secure a successful economic legacy.
NDN applauds last week’s announcement by the Obama Administration on its intent to renegotiate and push for Congressional approval of the Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements.
Today's lackluster jobs numbers contribute the picture of a weak American economy, no longer falling off a cliff, but having a tremendously difficult time creating jobs and pulling itself out of the high unemployment.
The President's goal of universal broadband by the end of the decade is easily achievable, if the FCC does not consider any rules which may force service providers to continue their 'one-price fits-all' approach.
The US has shifted from a manufacturing-based to an idea-based economy (think Detroit versus Silicon Valley), but Congress has not kept apace with the change, as the House has demonstrated by attempting to pass an ill-conceived end to multinationals' tax deferrals.
With the American Power Act most likely headed for defeat in the Senate, Rob Shapiro outlines an alternative strategy. The answer: marry a plan to create jobs with a funding mechanism to reduce greenhouse emissions.
While Rand Paul's lunch counter libertarianism may disgust us, the implications of his economic libertarianism would truly imperil us.
