![A world map consisting of thousands of people - 3d illustration](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/optimized/public/2023-08/banner-dg-white_0.jpg?itok=TT0CI8OO) 

# Defending Globalization 

At a Glance 

Globalization faces renewed attention—and criticism. Like any market phenomenon, the free movement of people, things, money, and ideas across natural or political borders is imperfect and often disruptive. But it has also produced undeniable benefits—for the United States and the world—that no other system can match. And it’s been going on since the dawn of recorded history.

Join the Conversation 

[\#CatoGlobalization](https://x.com/hashtag/CatoGlobalization)

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### Welcome to Defending Globalization, a new Cato Institute multimedia project on all aspects of the *fundamentally human* activity that we call “globalization.” 

Original works from both Cato Institute scholars and outside contributors will offer a diverse range of perspectives on globalization—what it is, what it has produced, what its alternatives are, and what people think about it—and offer a strong, proactive case for more global integration in the years ahead. [Read more here about the project and why we launched it.](/publications/introducing-defending-globalization-new-cato-institute-project)

[Watch the "Faces of Globalization" series](/video-series/faces-globalization/exploring-real-faces-globalization) 

##### Newsletter Sign-up 

Stay informed and join the conversation with our ***Defending Globalization newsletter***, delivering timely updates and insights on the project straight to your inbox.

[text](#)

![Defending Globalization cover](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/promo_block_book_cover_1x/public/2024-11/Defending-Globalization-cover.jpg?itok=WXFVV5IK) 

### [Defending Globalization: Facts and Myths about the Global Economy and its Fundamental Humanity](https://www.cato.org/books/defending-globalization)

Covering the basic economic and political ideas and historical facts underlying globalization, rebutting the most common arguments against globalization today, and educating readers on the intersection of globalization and our societies and cultures—from where we live to what clothes we wear and what foods we eat—*Defending Globalization* will not just educate and entertain readers but also demonstrate the essential *humanity* of international trade and migration—and why the United States and the rest of the world need more of it.

[Get the book](/books/defending-globalization) 

#### Browse By Essay Topic 

[### Economics 

![Globalization - Econ - Dock worker standing at the harbor amidst shipping industry activity](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/2023-08/dg-econ2.png?itok=onsfkEtD) 

](/defending-globalization-economics) 

[### Foreign Affairs 

![Defending Globalization - Foreign Policy - Schoolchildren](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/2023-08/dg-foreignpolicy.png?itok=LtO_rBSD) 

](/defending-globalization-foreign-affairs) 

[### Law and Politics 

![Defending Globalization - Cover Image - Law & Politics Smiling Judge](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/2023-08/dg-lawpolitics_0.png?itok=53kPBHvX) 

](/defending-globalization-law-politics) 

[### Society and Culture 

![Globalization - Society and Culture - Smiling Chef](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/2023-08/dg-societyculture.png?itok=76bnyb6f) 

](/defending-globalization-society-culture) 

[### Globalization Then and Now 

![Globalization - Then and Now - Foundry Workers](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs_2x/public/2023-08/dg-thenandnow.png?itok=JnpY7U6B) 

](/globalization-then-now) 

#### Featured Content 

[![Beatles Albums](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2024-09/the-beatles%20Cropped.jpg?itok=GJodADog)](https://www.cato.org/publications/globalization-popular-music) 

Publications 

### [The Globalization of Popular Music](/publications/globalization-popular-music) 

By [Clark Packard](https://www.cato.org/people/clark-packard) 

At its best, music has always been a blend of global cultures and influences.

[![Globalization, Unfolded - List Image](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2024-09/tshirt-globalization-unfolded-list.png?itok=iIeHUOxs)](https://www.cato.org/visual-feature/globalization-unfolded) 

Study 

### [Globalization, Unfolded](/visual-feature/globalization-unfolded) 

By [Scott Lincicome](https://www.cato.org/people/scott-lincicome) 

We worked with a multinational t‑shirt manufacturer to show how modern global supply chains work and how things made abroad still support many American jobs.

[![Girl watching movie in a movie theater](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser/public/2023-09/watching-movie.jpg?itok=ICwb8PR-)](https://www.cato.org/publications/trade-arts/culture) 

Publications 

### [The Democratic Promise of Globalized Film and Television](/publications/trade-arts/culture) 

By [Paul Matzko](https://www.cato.org/people/paul-matzko) 

Viewers today enjoy a larger, more diverse selection of high-quality video content than ever before—and even greater changes may be on the way.

#### Featured Media 

[ ![Stylized global image](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser_2x/public/2024-07/202407_global.jpg?itok=zCUC-XGz) 

Defending Globalization 

](/node/106070/embed) 

[ ![](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser_2x/public/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_15274.jpg?itok=jCClr0KO) 

The Capitalist Manifesto: Why the Global Free Market Will Save the World 

](/node/107421/embed) 

[ ![](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser_2x/public/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_16422.jpg?itok=Sl7F-4V-) 

Scott Lincicome discusses six myths about globalization on *Stossel TV* 

](/node/108105/embed) 

[ ![](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser_2x/public/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_15566.jpg?itok=pgL-Pwj-) 

A Conversation with Lawrence H. Summers 

](/node/107398/embed) 

[ ![](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser_2x/public/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_13773.jpg?itok=Ta_TCKY_) 

A Conversation with Amb. Robert B. Zoellick 

](/node/106451/embed) 

[ ![](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser_2x/public/brightcove/videos/images/posters/image_13278.jpg?itok=DY2_yZ-4) 

Globalization Creates a Global Neighborhood, Benefiting All 

](/node/106247/embed) 

[ ![DG Race to Bottom Thumbnail](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/content_teaser_2x/public/2023-10/dg-race-to-bottom-thumbnail.png?itok=GUjRIjxS) 

Globalization: A Race to the Bottom—or to the Top? 

](/node/106066/embed) 

[More Defending Globalization Content](/search/topic/27885) 

@media screen and (max-width: 640px){#og_iframe{height: 460px;width:100%;}}@media screen and (min-width: 641px) and (max-width: 1024px){#og_iframe{height: 460px;width:100%;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1025px){#og_iframe{height: 460px;width:100%;}}

[![Stack of books](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/promo_block/public/2023-08/ResearchLibrary_0.jpg?itok=dntawy75)](https://www.cato.org/search/topic/27885/category/study%2Bresearch-briefs-economic-policy) 

##### Research Library 

### [Understand the Economics of Globalization with Cato Research Briefs](https://www.cato.org/search/topic/27885/category/study%2Bresearch-briefs-economic-policy)

Academic studies frequently produce important and often counterintuitive economic insights but can be difficult for laypeople to access or understand. The Cato Institute therefore publishes Research Briefs summarizing new economic research on a wide range of issues. This Defending Globalization series provides a searchable database of all Cato Research Briefs on trade, migration, and other aspects of globalization.

[Read the Research Briefs](/search/topic/27885/category/study+research-briefs-economic-policy) 

##### Meet Our Experts 

[![Mustafa Akyol Cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-11/akyol-cropped-new.jpg?itok=VLgHg13I)](/people/mustafa-akyol) 

##### [Mustafa Akyol](/people/mustafa-akyol)

Senior Fellow, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/AkyolinEnglish) [ 

](mailto:makyol@cato.org) 

[![Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar Cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Swaminathan%20Aiyar.jpg?itok=hY3p7kNb)](/people/swaminathan-s-anklesaria-aiyar) 

##### [Swaminathan S. Anklesaria Aiyar](/people/swaminathan-s-anklesaria-aiyar)

Former Research Fellow, Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity

[![Nicholas Anthony Cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-02/NicholasAnthony-cropped.jpg?itok=f4HYrot7)](/people/nicholas-anthony) 

##### [Nicholas Anthony](/people/nicholas-anthony)

Research Fellow, Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives

[ 

](https://x.com/EconWithNick) 

[![James Bacchus - cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-04/jim_baccuhus-cropped.jpg?itok=sQTKwZ3_)](/people/james-bacchus) 

##### [James Bacchus](/people/james-bacchus)

Adjunct Scholar, Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute; Former Chairman, Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization

[![Gabriella-Beaumont-Smith_Cropped.jpg](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-05/Gabriella-Beaumont-Smith_Cropped.jpg?itok=XNZR-WbT)](/people/gabriella-beaumont-smith) 

##### [Gabriella Beaumont-Smith](/people/gabriella-beaumont-smith)

Former Policy Analyst

[![David J. Bier](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/David%20Bier.jpg?itok=orT_ECKQ)](/people/david-bier) 

##### [David J. Bier](/people/david-bier)

Director, Immigration Studies, and The Selz Foundation Chair in Immigration Policy, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/David_J_Bier) [ 

](mailto:dbier@cato.org) 

[![Donald Boudreaux new cropped photo](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-08/bourdreaux-new-cropped.jpg?itok=gsO-o2Qn)](/people/donald-boudreaux) 

##### [Donald J. Boudreaux](/people/donald-boudreaux)

Adjunct Scholar 

![Joy Buchanan](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-09/joy-buchanan.png?itok=Iu9TyItz) 

##### Joy Buchanan 

Associate Professor of Quantitative Analysis and Economics, Samford University Brock School of Business

[![James A. Dorn](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/James%20dorn.jpg?itok=1oA5x7PP)](/people/james-dorn) 

##### [James A. Dorn](/people/james-dorn)

Senior Fellow Emeritus

[ 

](mailto:jdorn@cato.org) 

![Daniel W. Drezner](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-09/Drezner2.jpeg?itok=9pl3IgCn) 

##### Daniel W. Drezner 

Professor of International Politics, Tufts University

[![Emily Ekins](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Emily%20Ekins.jpg?itok=O6P9UmCC)](/people/emily-ekins) 

##### [Emily Ekins](/people/emily-ekins)

Vice President for Policy and Society, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/emilyekins) 

[![Chelsea Follett](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Chelsea%20Follett.jpg?itok=t0sPC8WK)](/people/chelsea-follett) 

##### [Chelsea Follett](/people/chelsea-follett)

Research Fellow, Human​Progress​.org, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/chellivia) [ 

](mailto:cfollett@cato.org) 

![Andreas Freytag croppped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-04/andreas-freytag-Cropped.jpg?itok=dS4bhKEn) 

##### Andreas Freytag 

Professor of Economics, Friedrich Schiller University

![Vincent Geloso portrait](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-05/vincent-geloso.jpeg?itok=oKjB9Imp) 

##### Vincent Geloso 

Assistant Professor of Economics, George Mason University

[![Colin Grabow](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Colin%20Grabow.jpg?itok=pNkGPWw4)](/people/colin-grabow) 

##### [Colin Grabow](/people/colin-grabow)

Associate Director, Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies

[ 

](https://x.com/cpgrabow) 

[![Dan_Griswold_cropped.jpg](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2022-02/Dan_Griswold_cropped.jpg?itok=mEktjV9Y)](/people/daniel-griswold) 

##### [Daniel Griswold](/people/daniel-griswold)

Adjunct Scholar

[ 

](https://twitter.com/danielgriswold) 

[![Jeb Hensarling](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-08/jeb-hensarling.jpg?itok=cDcUvjul)](/people/jeb-hensarling) 

##### [Jeb Hensarling](/people/jeb-hensarling)

Economics Fellow, Cato Institute; Former Chairman, House Financial Services Committee

![Philip G. Hoxie](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-11/philip-g-hoxie-headshot.jpeg?itok=WnDdQayq) 

##### Philip G. Hoxie 

Economics PhD Student, University of California, San Diego

[![Douglas Irwin](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-04/douglas-irwin.jpeg?itok=UCjGUnkT)](/people/douglas-irwin) 

##### [Douglas Irwin](/people/douglas-irwin)

Professor of Economics, Dartmouth College

![Charles Kenny (cropped)](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-02/Charles%20Kenny.png?itok=1M4u7WOF) 

##### Charles Kenny 

Senior Fellow, Center for Global Development

[![Simon Lester](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Simon%20Lester.jpg?itok=noQ9immh)](/people/simon-lester) 

##### [Simon Lester](/people/simon-lester)

Cofounder, World​TradeLaw​.net, and Former Legal Affairs Officer, Appellate Body Secretariat, World Trade Organization

[![Scott Lincicome cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-10/scott-lincicome-square.jpg?itok=qnTH2GB_)](/people/scott-lincicome) 

##### [Scott Lincicome](/people/scott-lincicome)

Vice President, General Economics and Stiefel Trade Policy Center, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/scottlincicome) [ 

](mailto:slincicome@cato.org) 

[![Juan Londono - cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2026-06/juan%20londono%20headshot%20Cropped.jpg?itok=bLwQsKV4)](/people/juan-londono) 

##### [Juan Londoño](/people/juan-londono)

Policy Analyst, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://twitter.com/JuanMLondonoR) 

![P_W_Magness_1255cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2022-08/P_W_Magness_1255cropped.jpg?itok=FpjkQ2nM) 

##### Phillip W. Magness 

Hayek Chair in Economics and Economic History, American Institute for Economic Research

[![Inu Manak](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Inu%20Manuk.jpg?itok=8bgu-vN2)](/people/inu-manak) 

##### [Inu Manak](/people/inu-manak)

Fellow for Trade Policy, Council on Foreign Relations

[ 

](https://twitter.com/inumanak) 

[![Paul Matzko](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/Paul%20Matzko.jpg?itok=CSzwMD2U)](/people/paul-matzko) 

##### [Paul Matzko](/people/paul-matzko)

Adjunct Scholar, Cato Institute

![Anna Maria Mayda](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-07/anna-mayda.jpeg?itok=W3eHCPij) 

##### Anna Maria Mayda 

Associate Professor, Economics, Georgetown University

[![Dierdre N. McCloskey cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-10/dierdre-mccloskey-pic-cropped.jpg?itok=CE5OEUFL)](/people/deirdre-n-mccloskey) 

##### [Deirdre N. McCloskey](/people/deirdre-n-mccloskey)

Distinguished Scholar Isaiah Berlin Chair in Liberal Thought, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/DeirdreMcClosk) 

![Christine McDaniel - cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-12/christinemcdaniel_cropped.jpg?itok=bEom4-NV) 

##### Christine McDaniel 

Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University

[![Norbert Michel Cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-01/norbert-m-cropped.jpg?itok=8WIx97Dk)](/people/norbert-michel) 

##### [Norbert J. Michel](/people/norbert-michel)

Vice President and Director, Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/norbertjmichel) 

[![Adam N. Michel cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-02/adam-michel-cropped.jpg?itok=2xIg84-_)](/people/adam-n-michel) 

##### [Adam N. Michel](/people/adam-n-michel)

Director of Tax Policy Studies, Cato Institute; Former Deputy Staff Director at the US Congress Joint Economic Committee

[ 

](https://x.com/adamnmichel) 

![Andrew P. Morris - Cropped Headshot](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-08/Screenshot%202024-08-09%20at%209.44.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?itok=AoEAl6uc) 

##### Andrew P. Morriss 

Professor, Bush School of Government & Public Service and School of Law, Texas A&M University

[![Johan Norberg cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-11/johan-norberg-Cropped.jpg?itok=H292pden)](/people/johan-norberg) 

##### [Johan Norberg](/people/johan-norberg)

Senior Fellow, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://twitter.com/johanknorberg) [ 

](mailto:johan@johannorberg.net) 

[![Clark Packard Square headshot](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2022-03/ClarkPackard_sq2.jpg?itok=6QwVlh1V)](/people/clark-packard) 

##### [Clark Packard](/people/clark-packard)

Research Fellow, Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/clark_packard) [ 

](mailto:cpackard@cato.org) 

[![Media Name: palmer-cropped.jpg](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2021-01/palmer-cropped.jpg?itok=4cdv7ymk)](/people/tom-g-palmer) 

##### [Tom G. Palmer](/people/tom-g-palmer)

Executive Vice President for International Programs, Atlas Network; Senior Fellow, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/tomgpalmer) [ 

](mailto:tpalmer@cato.org) 

![Dominic Pino](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-10/dominic-pino%20Cropped.jpg?itok=RvymhbeQ) 

##### Dominic Pino 

Editorial Writer, *Washington Post*

[ 

](https://x.com/DominicJPino) 

[![Media Name: derugy.jpg](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/authors/crops/derugy.jpg?itok=rdeuOdKY)](/people/veronique-derugy) 

##### [Veronique de Rugy](/people/veronique-derugy)

George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy and Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University 

[![marian-tupy-crop-temp.jpg](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2022-08/marian-tupy-crop-temp.jpg?itok=zdX_3JzR)](/people/marian-l-tupy) 

##### [Marian L. Tupy](/people/marian-l-tupy)

Senior Fellow, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/Marian_L_Tupy) [ 

](mailto:mtupy@cato.org) 

![Gary Winslett](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-09/GWinslett.png?itok=QvtTyPqI) 

##### Gary Winslett 

Assistant Professor of Political Science, Middlebury College

![Erica York](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-02/Erica%20York.png?itok=WPalt1SC) 

##### Erica York 

Senior Economist and Research Director, Tax Foundation

![Sophia Bagley - cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2023-11/sophia-bagley-cropped-1.jpg?itok=BLX7fmWK) 

##### Sophia Bagley 

Research Associate

[![Alfredo Carrillo Obregon Cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2026-05/Alfredo%20Carrillo%20Obregon%20Cropped.jpg?itok=KAEODEP0)](/people/alfredo-carrillo-obregon) 

##### [Alfredo Carrillo Obregon](/people/alfredo-carrillo-obregon)

Policy Analyst, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/AlfredCObregon)