How the World Changed While America Drifted: Global Progress You Didn’t Expect

The last four decades have witnessed a remarkable transformation worldwide. Extreme poverty has plummeted from over 40% of the global population in 1980 to less than 10% today, largely driven by economic growth in Asia's manufacturing sectors. Life expectancy has increased, infant mortality rates have fallen by two-thirds since 1990, and literacy has surged, reflecting investments in health, sanitation, and education.

Democracy has expanded globally, with fewer countries under autocratic regimes than ever before. Central to this progress is the explosion of digital connectivity. Since 2005, internet users worldwide have increased by over 200%, revolutionizing how people communicate, access information, and participate in commerce.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. Infrastructure in many regions, including parts of America, continues to deteriorate. Social cohesion is weakening as community participation declines and loneliness rises. This dual narrative of progress and peril underscores the complexity of globalization.

Understanding these global trends alongside domestic challenges is crucial for crafting policies that promote inclusive prosperity and social stability. The world America helped shape is one of hope and complexity, demanding thoughtful engagement from all of us.

For an in-depth exploration of these themes, consult the detailed discussions and data presented in the book and supporting global economic reports. 2 4