About
The mission of the Resilient World Systems program at Open Markets is to develop and advocate for policies that ensure the security, independence, and prosperity of the people of the United States and of all peoples around the world. It is based on the belief that the stability of the world’s industrial, financial, communications, and political systems requires careful coordinated management by national governments.
Over the last generation, the United States and its allies allowed super-large corporations and mercantilist nations to concentrate power and control within these systems in ways that have created many grave economic and political dangers. One result is that many of these systems are now subject to cascading and potentially catastrophic crashes and severe shortages even of vital goods such as foods and medical supplies. A second result is a breakdown of international cooperation and a growing number of cross-border industrial conflicts. Other results include the manipulation of vital news and information, the disruption of democratic debate, and the choking off of climate-friendly technological innovations.
Open Markets is recognized around the world as a pioneer in the study and design of resilient and open international systems. Over the years, our work has deeply shaped thinking among officials in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as in the IMF and World Bank. Our new partnership with the OECD resulted in the important transatlantic conference Shock Proof to discuss the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publications
Open Markets Institute submitted a comprehensive comment letter to the Justice Department (DOJ) and Department of Transportation (DOT), outlining actionable steps to address the ongoing decline in the airline industry and air travel experience.
Healthcare, transportation, and the care economy are each captured by giant corporations or private equity, resulting in higher costs and horrible service. Three new articles from Open Markets staff in the new issue of The Washington Monthly point toward solutions.
Policy director Phillip Longman argues that re-regulating airlines, rail, and trucking could improve service quality, reduce monopolistic practices, and revitalize America's heartland.
Industrial policy program manager Audrey Stienon argues that before increasing federal investment in child and elder care, measures should be taken to prevent large corporations from dominating these markets and compromising service quality for working-class families.
Industrial Policy Program Manager Audrey Stienon examines how China’s mineral export ban impacts critical supply chains and poses a major challenge for U.S. strategies to reduce dependence on China and ensure national security.
In this issue, we celebrate AAG Kanter’s record and the FTC’s restoration of the Robinson-Patman Antitrust law. We also explore how China is using its dominance of key minerals to challenge President-elect Trump’s policies even before he takes office.
Transportation policy analyst Arnav Rao writes on how ocean freight carriers are exploiting their monopolistic control to hike prices and boost profits, harming U.S. importers, exporters, and small businesses, necessitating stronger regulatory oversight to restore fair pricing.
In this issue, we look at one of the first challenges the Trump Administration will face — as ocean freight carriers exploit their monopoly to drive freight rates to unprecedented levels. We also look at the DOJ’s plan to break up Google. In this issue,
Phillip Longman reveals in a new article published in The Washington Monthly, that the goal of revitalizing American manufacturing is deeply threatened by financiers who are radically downsizing the nation’s freight rail system in pursuit of short-term profit.
In this issue, we explore how hedge funds degrade freight railroads by stripping operators of valuable assets and skilled workers.