Economists in the Cold War: How a Handful of Economists Fought the Battle of Ideas

Economists in the Cold War explores the economic drivers and outcomes of the Cold War through the stories of seven international economists, who were all closely involved in theory and policy in the period 1945-73. It was a time of economic recovery post-war, with industrial rebuilding, economic growth, and rising incomes, but also a time of ideological warfare, nuclear rivalry, military expansion, and personal conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Economists in the Cold War is a comprehensive account of the economic drivers and outcomes of the Cold War, told through the stories of seven international economists who played pivotal roles in theory and policy during the period from 1945 to 1973. For these economists, the Cold War was not just a geopolitical conflict but a battle of economic ideas, a fight between central planning and market allocation. It delved into the economic thinking derived from the clash between Marxist and Capitalist ideologies, a fundamental difference with many intricacies. The book chronicles how economic theory advanced, new economic tools were developed, and policies were tested. Each chapter is based on the involvement of one of the selected economists, providing a unique perspective on the events and developments of the time.

The Cold War era was a challenging but dangerous time in economics. It marked a period of economic recovery post-war, with industrial rebuilding, economic growth, and rising incomes. However, it was also characterized by ideological warfare, nuclear rivalry, military expansion, and personal conflict. The narrative follows a chronological approach, ranging from the Potsdam Conference in Germany to the Pinochet Coup in Chile. The selected economists include individuals from different countries, such as the United States, Poland, Hungary, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Argentina, each with their distinct backgrounds and perspectives.

Each chapter also features a dissenting economist who held a contrasting view, adding depth and complexity to the analysis. The book explores the economic arguments that played out during this period, examining the successes and failures of different economic policies and strategies. It sheds light on the role of international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, in shaping economic development and promoting stability. Economists in the Cold War provides a valuable insight into the complex economic dynamics of the Cold War era, offering a comprehensive understanding of the economic drivers and outcomes that shaped the world during this pivotal period.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192887399