Youâve identified my two main frustrations with the book: US-centrism and the attitude that there exist no substantial objections to open borders (rather than a more measured argument that the benefits outweigh the harms). There were a few panels towards the end of the book which typify this for me:
This book contained several interesting economic arguments (e.g. âmigration good for the economy = big countries do betterâ, as you pointed out) but enough credibility-straining overconfidence that I havenât been recommending it.
Youâve identified my two main frustrations with the book: US-centrism and the attitude that there exist no substantial objections to open borders (rather than a more measured argument that the benefits outweigh the harms). There were a few panels towards the end of the book which typify this for me:
I, uh, I donât think âthe only thing that stands in the way of opening the border is sheer political apathyâ. QuĂ©becois separatists were ransoming politicians within my parentsâ lifetime,and QuĂ©bec nearly separated in 1995. I donât expect most Americans to pay attention to the fragility of Canadian federalism, but itâs super frustrating to see someone be so confident that there is no possible argument against their position!
This book contained several interesting economic arguments (e.g. âmigration good for the economy = big countries do betterâ, as you pointed out) but enough credibility-straining overconfidence that I havenât been recommending it.