The World's Worst Bet

How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong (and What Would Make It Right)

By: David J Lynch

Narrated by: Todd Menesses

Why globalization failed so many Americans and how it still can be saved despite burgeoning economic nationalism.

The triumphant globalization that began in the 1990s has given way to a world riven by conflict, populism, and economic nationalism. In The World’s Worst Bet, David J. Lynch offers a trenchant, fast-paced narrative of the rise and fall of the greatest engine of prosperity the world has ever known. Lynch explains what went right, what went wrong, and what needs to change to preserve the benefits of global integration and to build prosperity for all Americans.

Lynch brings a deep understanding of the forces affecting Americans’ lives to his portrayal of a fascinating cast of characters: presidents and policymakers; factory workers whose anger over lost jobs reshaped a nation’s politics; and the anti-globalization warriors of the right and left. Their stories show how the United States made a bad bet on globalization, gambling that it could enjoy its benefits while ignoring its costs: dislocated workers, vulnerable supply chains, and the rise of a powerful rival. With trillions of dollars now at stake, The World’s Worst Bet explains the failings of the past and offers an insightful guide to the opportunities of the future.

©2025 David J Lynch (P)2025 PublicAffairs

Critic reviews

“How did we get globalization so wrong? In The World's Worst Bet, David Lynch explores how America embraced a model of globalization that hollowed out our industrial base, enabled China's rise, and set the stage for a destabilizing political backlash at home. The World's Worst Bet is essential reading for understanding the structure of the world economy and the shape of our politics.”—Chris Miller, author of Chip War