The Expendables

The Expendables offers a critical examination of globalization, arguing it exacerbates inequality and neglects the middle class, urging a reevaluation of economic policies.

In The Expendables, bestselling author Jeff Rubin challenges the prevailing narrative that globalization is beneficial for the economy and society. He argues that, contrary to popular belief, globalization has contributed to a growing divide between the wealthy and the middle class. Rubin's insights are particularly relevant in the context of the pre-coronavirus world, where governments celebrated rising GDP and low unemployment rates, yet many individuals found that their real wages remained stagnant and financial security was elusive. The book highlights the disconnection between economic indicators and the lived experiences of ordinary people.

Rubin emphasizes that even as countries appear to thrive economically, the benefits do not trickle down to the middle class. He discusses how factors such as falling tariffs, low interest rates, and tax policies favoring the rich have eroded the stability of the middle class, leading to increased global inequality. The author warns that simply returning to the same economic policies that created these issues will not solve the problems facing society today. Instead, he advocates for a rethinking of our approach to capital and labor.

The Expendables presents a unique perspective that resonates with ideas from both the political left and right, making it a thought-provoking read. Rubin's fearless and rigorous analysis invites readers to reconsider the implications of globalization and the urgent need for change in our economic systems. His vision is both humane and challenging, urging us to confront the realities of our current situation.