Disunited states / John D. Donahue.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-241) and index.

Ch. 1. The Ascendancy of the States -- Ch. 2. America's Endless Argument -- Ch. 3. Unity and Autonomy: The Weights on the Scale -- Ch. 4. The National Commons -- Ch. 5. The Industrial Policy Paradox -- Ch. 6. The Courtship of Capital -- Ch. 7. Commonwealth and Competition -- Ch. 8. The Stewardship of Skills -- Ch. 9. The Endless Argument's Next Stage -- Appendix. Research on the Impact of Business-Attraction Policies.

In Disunited States, John D. Donahue contends that despite its broad appeal, letting Washington fade and the states take the lead is a dubious strategy for reform. It reflects a misreading of America's history, a warped view of its bedrock values, and a false analogy to the virtues of competition and decentralization in the private sector. At worst, he argues, America's willing disintegration within an integrating world economy will be recorded among history's monumental follies.