Book review: Made in the USA: the rise and retreat of American manufacturing by Vaclav Smil

"Made in the USA: The Rise and Retreat of American Manufacturing." Vaclav Smil. MIT Press. September 2013. --- Vaclav Smil examines the rise and fall of American manufacturing dominance in this recent book. He advocates a return to home production, arguing that outsourcing and globalization have concentrated gains to a small group of individuals making it increasingly difficult for the U.S. to compete with rising powers. Smil thinks America can rise to the enormous challenge before it, but is not optimistic about its desire to do so, writes Steve Coulter. Recommended to those studying manufacturing, technology, and the economy.