That Used to Be Us

Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum examine America's decline from its position as a global leader in innovation and economic power. Their analysis focuses on four critical challenges: globalization, technological revolution, fiscal deficits, and energy consumption patterns. The book presents a comprehensive assessment of how the United States created systems and institutions that once drove its success but now require significant reform. The authors draw from historical examples and current data to outline the specific areas where America has lost its competitive edge in the global arena. The authors propose concrete solutions that bridge traditional political divisions, advocating for increased investment in education, infrastructure modernization, and research development. Their recommendations incorporate elements from both conservative and progressive ideologies while emphasizing the necessity of difficult choices ahead. This work serves as both a warning about America's declining influence and a blueprint for national renewal, highlighting the tension between maintaining American prosperity and adapting to 21st-century realities.

Readers describe the book as a detailed diagnosis of America's challenges, with a focus on education, infrastructure, immigration, and competition with China. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear breakdown of complex economic and political issues - Solutions-oriented approach with concrete examples - Engaging writing style that makes policy accessible - Strong data and research to support key points Common criticisms: - Too repetitive and could be shorter - Some solutions viewed as unrealistic - Perceived political bias in certain sections - Lacks fresh insights for those familiar with Friedman's work Ratings: Amazon: 4.2/5 (447 reviews) Goodreads: 3.8/5 (3,891 ratings) Sample reader comments: "Explains complex issues without oversimplifying" - Amazon reviewer "Makes the same points over and over" - Goodreads reviewer "Good diagnosis but impractical solutions" - Barnes & Noble reviewer "Required reading for understanding America's position in the global economy" - Goodreads reviewer

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🔸 Thomas Friedman has won three Pulitzer Prizes for his journalism work at The New York Times, where he's been a foreign affairs columnist since 1995. 🔸 The book's title "That Used to Be Us" was inspired by President Obama's observation about seeing Chinese infrastructure achievements and lamenting, "That used to be us." 🔸 Co-author Michael Mandelbaum is considered one of America's leading foreign policy experts and has served as an adviser to President Bill Clinton. 🔸 The book was published in 2011 during a period of significant national debate about America's role in the world following the 2008 financial crisis. 🔸 The authors conducted over 200 interviews across multiple sectors (business, education, government) while researching for this book, making it one of their most extensively researched works.