I have to admit I got this one wrong, too. I bought into the one-two punch of Tom Friedman's "McDonald's" thesis and China maturing into a democracy so that I thought we had reached the end of history.
Wrong on both punches (btw, 2007-2008 was the time I finally red-pilled).*
I don't think anyone expects everyone to be perfect. But I do think we have a right to expect our "experts" would continually reevaluate and have the bones to admit they were wrong. So while I'm glad to see the Krugmans of the world finally coming around I'm more than a bit miffed it took them so long.
But I admit to being a bit cynical regarding Krugman's (in this case) apology. I think he's just beating a tactical retreat in order to continue his strategic "true believer" Long March. Would be glad to be wrong. If so, will gladly issue an apology.
* This, btw, is part of the McMaster/Vindman/DC Swamp problem, re: criticisms of Trump's (foreign policy) approach: one gets so submerged in the DC groupthink echo chamber that it becomes hard to see alternatives (and for the anti- and #NeverTrumpers it's clear their ability to see anything beyond #TDS is magnitudes more difficult).
--- End of line (MCP)