Capitalising Economic Power in the US: Industrial Strategy

In this review of Capitalising Economic Power in the US: Industrial Strategy in the Neoliberal Era, the reviewer finds a focused, evidence-driven account of how American economic might was wielded to shape the neoliberal order. This book is for readers who want a rigorous, historically grounded analysis of state-industry interaction rather than a broad polemic. The single biggest reason to read it is the clear demonstration of how formal and informal institutions were used to protect and promote US industries while operating within a global free market framework.

Key Features

• Historical scope: Traces American industrial strategy from the late 1970s to the present, giving readers a longitudinal view of policy evolution.
• Institutional analysis: Shows how both formal institutions and informal mechanisms were harnessed to advance US competitive advantage abroad.
• Case-driven evidence: Provides concrete examples of protection and promotion measures that illustrate broader theoretical claims.
• Neoliberal context: Places US policy choices within the rise and practice of the international free market, clarifying apparent contradictions.
• Competitive framing: Connects economic policy to international rivalry, helping readers understand trade and tariff politics in practice.

Who It's For

This book will suit students and researchers in international political economy, policymakers interested in the history of industrial policy, and readers seeking a clear account of how state power and market institutions interact. The text favors readers who appreciate evidence-rich argument and institutional detail rather than broad narrative or memoir.

Readers looking for a short introduction to economics, a popular history, or prescriptive step-by-step policy manuals should look elsewhere, as the work is analytical and framed as a scholarly study rather than a quick primer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-documented historical treatment that clarifies long-term policy trends.
• Strong focus on institutional mechanisms that makes the argument concrete and transferable to other contexts.
• Clear linkage between US economic power and international market governance, useful for comparative analysis.

Cons

• The book's scholarly focus and depth can be dense for general readers seeking a light overview.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Capitalising Economic Power in the US offers a measured, evidence-based account of American industrial strategy that rewards readers who want rigorous institutional analysis. It is good value for students and analysts needing a clear explanation of how economic power was mobilised within a neoliberal international order, though it is less accessible to casual readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover recent policy developments?
Yes. The study traces developments from the late 1970s through to the present day, so contemporary shifts are discussed in context.

Is this a technical economics text?
No. The book is an international political economy study that emphasizes institutional and historical analysis rather than formal economic modeling.

Who would benefit most from reading it?
Graduate students, researchers, and policy analysts focused on trade, tariffs, and industrial policy will gain the most from its detailed, evidence-driven perspective.