If you want to better understand how the world economy is linked, but you do not want to get buried in a mountain of data about economics and politics, then you should consider reading The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade by Pietra Rivoli.

Rivoli got the inspiration for the book during the height of the anti-globalization movement of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. She overheard a protest speaker ask the question, “Do you know where your T-shirt came from?” It was meant as a challenge, a protest in many ways, of how globalization was keeping people in sweatshops chained to sewing machines. Rivoli set out to learn just exactly where her T-shirt actually did come from.

And it’s a fascinating journey from Lubbock, Texas (for the cotton) to Shanghai to Miami. But along the way the journey includes the history of labor, capitalism, the industrial revolution, political protectionism, slavery, communist labor camps, and a whole host of other excursions.

There are times when the book does get a little wonky as it swerves into USA trade issues. But for most of the book we’re given a clear and refreshing look at just what is truth and isn’t in the globalization of our economy. In the end, the authors perspective has changed, but then so had the protestors.

Wonderful book, wonderful insights. You’ll enjoy it if the topic appeals to you.