As trade flows expanded and trade agreements proliferated after World War II, governments-most notably the United States-came increasingly to use their power over imports and exports to influence the behavior of other countries. But trade is not the only way in which nations interact...

The man and the moment -- The politics of capture -- Continuity and collusion -- Missing a rendezvous with reform -- Crony capitalism -- Obama's loyal opposition -- Political malpractice -- Change we can believe in

Prologue: "The hippopotamus under the rug" -- The most certain man in the world -- Triumph -- The stealth ideologue -- The rise of Rubinomics -- Larry and Joe -- Portrait of a contrarian -- Children of the boom -- The high tide of hubris -- The last guy at the Alamo -- Reaganites redux -- The...