The U.S. public dialogue on trade policy: An initial assessment

There has been little public dialogue in the United States on the implications of the evident trend toward greater worldwide economic, social and political integration. This trend, generally termed globalization, has occurred largely as the result of political decisions by states to reduce their ability to restrict trade and investment. This article explores the barriers which may be blocking such a dialogue and several options for lowering certain of these barriers. Unless such a dialogue begins in the near future, the ability of citizens to influence these trends may lost, with uncertain effects on governmental legitimacy.