American Industry in International Competition

The bulk of this valuable book is made up of fairly detailed studies of American industries that are having trouble coping with foreign competition: steel, automobiles, color TV, semiconductors, footwear, textiles and apparel. The editors relate the analyses of the pieces to one another and make a good argument for the selective use of sectoral policies when general policies fail, especially to facilitate adjustment and avoid protective measures. A chapter on small business in Italy fits in none too neatly but is too interesting in its analysis to ignore.