Professor Irwin in the Journal

Economics professor Douglas Irwin penned an article (subscription only) for today’s Wall Street Journal that takes on critics of globalization and free trade. He especially emphasizes that globalization and “outsourcing” account for only a tiny portion?roughly three percent?of all layoffs, despite the labels of “Benedict Arnold” that some candidates attach to corporations. Instead, he argues, increases in productivity stemming from technological progress, combined with an economic slowdown, had more to do with job losses. His book on the subject, Free Trade Under Fire, was published last year.

Update: AEI has the column online for free. It’s a good one. (–Grossman)