Michael Strain: Against Economic Pessimism

On whether America is in decline economically, and why we must prioritize innovation and growth. Click "Show more" to view chapters. For more conversations, visit

Chapter 1 (00:15 - 30:01): Against Economic Pessimism

Chapter 2 (30:01 - 59:56): Technological Change and Innovation

Michael Strain is a scholar and director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute and a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. In this Conversation, Strain challenges the increasingly widespread notion that America is in decline economically—and reflects on the enduring importance of innovation and dynamism in the American economy. Highlighting measures like social mobility and increases in living standards, Strain argues that America remains robust economically even as globalization, technology, and other factors have presented and will continue to present serious challenges to the status quo. Finally, Strain points to several policy goals that promote innovation and growth—including high-skilled immigration, renewed focus on STEM, and investment in research and development—that could increase America’s economic performance.