Why has support for globalization declined in many democracies, even though globalization has produced economic growth?
Flaherty and Rogowski argue that the answer lies in top-heavy inequality — the extreme concentration of gains among a very small elite.
The authors are not asking whether globalization increases inequality in general. Instead, they focus on:
Their argument is about political consequences of distribution, not just economics.
In international political economy, globalization is often studied through growth, efficiency, and interdependence.
Flaherty and Rogowski shift the focus to distribution and domestic political sustainability.
Their message is clear:
Globalization can survive only if its gains are politically sustainable.
If inequality continues to rise — especially at the top — the domestic political foundations of the Liberal International Order will erode.
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