Economist Debates

The Economist runs a series of debates, which allows expert and public input that I think is a worthwhile series.  The current debate is over this proposition: "This house believes that an economy cannot succeed without a big manufacturing base."  Here are excerpts from the experts:

For: Ha-Joon Chang: Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge: 

While a simplistic "manufacturing good, services bad" viewpoint is unwarranted, we undervalue the manufacturing sector at our peril.

Against: Jagdish Bhagwati: Professor of Economics and Law, Columbia University:

Even if you wished to reduce the size of the financial sector, you would not have to go into manufacturing.

This is a series that is well worth a regular look. 

--JPF