Introduction

Ann Harrison has devoted her career to path-breaking empirical research that explores the intersection of international trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and the consequences for workers and firms. Many of her studies focus on emerging markets, such as India and China. She is particularly concerned about the impact of opening up economies on worker welfare. Does a trade reform leave workers better off? Does it reduce or increase inequality? Are multinational firms benevolent agents who raise wages in host economies? Or, do they exploit loopholes in regulations to drive a global race to the bottom? One interviewer characterized her work as giving a voice to the voiceless, especially workers in sweatshop industries or multinational firms who were not the focus of academic studies in the past.