The Political Economy of International Commodity Cartels: An Economic History of the European Timber Trade in the 1930s

The Political Economy of International Commodity Cartels examines how international commodity cartels in the 1930s were impacted by commercial rivalry, international trade political and diplomatic concerns, and the rise and decline of the European Timber Exporters Convention (ETEC). It sheds light on how international relations shaped cartels and how cartels became avenues of diplomacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Political Economy of International Commodity Cartels delves into the intricate dynamics that shaped international commodity cartels during the 1930s, encompassing a range of factors beyond mere commercial rivalry. This comprehensive work explores how these cartels were intricately intertwined with international trade politics, diplomacy, and geopolitical concerns.

The rise and decline of the European Timber Exporters Convention (ETEC) serve as a focal point for this analysis, shedding light on how firms navigated the complex cartel game amidst escalating international competition, pressures from national governments, and the interventionist endeavors of the League of Nations.

In conventional economic interpretations, cartels are often perceived as mere business collusion. However, the chapters in this book challenge this notion by employing extensive archive sources and historical methodologies. They unveil how international relations played a pivotal role in shaping these cartels, particularly during the early 1930s when a wave of political and diplomatic challenges emerged in the timber trading countries.

The emergence of British protectionism, the rise of the Soviet Union as an industrial power, and the economic rapprochement of the League of Nations all contributed to the complex dynamics of cartelization. While timber firms in the largest producer countries, such as Finland and Sweden, initially showed little interest in international cartel collaboration, they were eventually compelled to join the ETEC under pressure.

This book makes a substantial contribution to the fields of business history and cartel studies. It offers valuable insights into how political pressure influenced the formation and operation of international cartels, as well as how these cartels became vehicles for diplomacy. Economic historians, scholars, and policymakers interested in understanding the intricate interplay between commerce, politics, and international relations will find this work to be an essential read.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367690250