Robert Reich Discusses Impacts of China's WTO Membership on US Economy and Local Businesses

In this enlightening segment, Robert Reich delves into the significant impacts of China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the U.S. economy. He discusses how this pivotal decision, made during the Clinton administration, aimed to incorporate China into the global trade system with the hope of fostering democracy and providing American consumers with cheaper goods. Reich highlights the adverse effects felt in U.S. locales heavily affected by job losses—over three million manufacturing jobs vanished since 1990—with a focus on states like Missouri and North Carolina. This analysis not only highlights the intertwining of globalization and local economies but also opens a discussion on the broader implications for public policy and economic equity in the United States. Join us as we explore the continuum of globalization’s influence on domestic job markets and the ripple effects on communities across the nation.