CAMBRIDGE — “The era of free trade seems to be over. How will the world economy fare under protectionism?”This is one of the most common questions I hear nowadays.

CAMBRIDGE — Economists have long argued that productivity is the foundation of prosperity. The only way a country can increase its standard of living sustainably is to produce more goods and services with fewer resources.

CAMBRIDGE — Commentary on the world economy has never been short of exhortations for greater global cooperation.

CAMBRIDGE — Two competing agendas are currently vying to shape the United States’ domestic and foreign economic policies. One agenda is inward-looking, focusing on the creation of an inclusive, resilient, prosperous, and sustainable American economy.

CAMBRIDGE — Developing countries are increasingly worried that the United States will turn its back on the multilateral trade regime.

CAMBRIDGE — The narrative that underpins the current global economic system is in the midst of a transformative plot twist.

CAMBRIDGE — Knowledge holds the key to economic prosperity. Technology, innovation and know-how all come from learning new ways to produce the goods and services that enrich us.

CAMBRIDGE — A foreign leader has accused in November last year US President Joe Biden of pursuing “super aggressive” industrial policies. It was not Russian President Vladimir Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose countries are America’s main geopolitical rivals.

 CAMBRIDGE  —  Our world is undergoing an economic transition that will require effective government action on many fronts to manage climate change, ensure public health, and rebuild our middle classes through good jobs and innovation.