Who's Bashing Whom? Trade Conflict in High-Technology Industries
Reviewed by William Diebold, Jr.
Technology-intensive industries make special contributions to the performance of the American economy. They "violate the assumptions of free trade theory and the static economic concepts that are the traditional basis for U.S. trade policy." Other governments intervene in these industries to the competitive disadvantage of American producers. These three premises guide Tyson's thorough examination of American difficulties with other countries--especially Japan--in the computer, semiconductor, electronics and commercial aircraft industries. These chapters provide strong evidence for her major policy conclusion, which is that the United States should defend itself against damaging foreign practices but only by approaches that encourage competition and trade. Calling herself a "cautious activist," Tyson stresses the need for selectivity, negotiation and specificity. The new chairman of President Clinton's Council of Economic Advisers has written an important book.
