Review (for Challenge Magazine) of The Roaring Nineties: A New History of the World’s Most Prosperous Decade by Joseph E. Stiglitz

Authors

Robert Pollin, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Working Paper Number

83

Publication Date

2004

Comments

Working Paper 83

Abstract

In The Roaring Nineties, Professor Joseph Stiglitz delivers a forceful and largely effective attack on U.S. economic policy during the Presidency of Bill Clinton. The author undertakes this criticism despite the fact that Bill Clinton chose him to serve as a Member and then Chair, of his Council of Economic Advisors. In 1997, Stiglitz moved on to become Chief Economist at the World Bank, another position which he could not have obtained without the endorsement of the Clinton Administration. In the book’s preface, Stiglitz makes clear his sincere appreciation to President Clinton for appointing him to these senior policymaking posts. But such expressions of gratitude deter Stiglitz only momentarily. Indeed, Stiglitz’s critique of Clintonomics becomes increasingly focused and passionate as the book proceeds, though Clinton himself is generally spared.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/1281161