PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Negative public opinion in the United States was the key factor behind the defeat of the proposed deal to turn over management of six U.S. ports to an Arab company. But the rejection of Dubai Ports World has disturbed America's trading partners and globalization advocates, who see it as a sign that America's commitment to an open economy is waning.
Not so, according to the latest public opinion polls: Americans remain as committed to globalization as ever. But, after the terrorist attacks of September 2001, the U.S. commitment to an open economy must be redefined to include the public's interest in "goods" like safety, in addition to more conventional goods like automobiles and television sets. Otherwise, the commitment loses its relevance.
Blocking the Dubai ports deal or putting restrictions on inflows of guest workers because of terrorist fears do not constitute protectionism in the usual meaning of the term, where private interests subvert the public good, as when farmers charge higher prices because competitive imports are restricted.
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