We argue that a chronic US current account deficit is an integral and sustainable feature of a successful international monetary system. The US deficit supplies international collateral to the periphery. International collateral in turn supports two-way trade in financial assets that liberates...

Preface -- Introduction -- The current rules -- More market power, less competition -- The growth of the financial sector -- The "shareholder revolution", the rise of ceo pay, and the squeezing of workers -- Lower taxes for the wealthy -- The end of full-employment monetary policy -- The...