The US Economy Today provides an invaluable introduction to American economic history since 1929. Its coverage includes the New Deal, the post-war boom, "stagflation" in the 1970s, "Reaganomics", the Clinton and Bush years, the 2008 - 2009 economic crisis and President Obama's first hundred days. In addition, this volume considers core contemporary economic policy debates and draws conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of the US economic "model". It looks at the causes and consequences of inequality, the extent to which there is economic mobility, and the impact of globalization and foreign trade.

This book will be essential reading for those studying or teaching American economics, economic history or politics and all those looking for a thorough and comprehensive introduction to this area.

Reviews

This is an excellently presented introduction to the last century of American economic policy and theory, the aim of which is to familiarise readers with its terminology and trends in order that they may better understand the current financial crisis.

Introduction
1. Assessing the US economy
2. The New Deal, the long boom, government and the economy
3. Curtailing the role of government
4. The "new economy"
5. The Bush years
6. Foreign trade
7. Inequality, mobility and the American dream
8. Drawing Comparisons: The US and Europe
9. The Obama administration, recession and beyond