In this episode, we cover the history and return of the economic ideology known as mercantilism, an ideology that is once again taking center stage in American and global politics. We begin with a discussion of the resurgence of mercantilism, embodied prominently in Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Then we look back to the origins of mercantilism in the 16th and 17th centuries, at the same time that capitalism began its rise to dominance. We trace the development of mercantilist thought following the Smithian challenge/critique and end back in the present to wrap up the episode.

Show Notes

The core book for this episode is A History of Economic Thought by Isaac Rubin.

“We Are All Mercantilists Now,” by Greg Jensen

Pre-election interview with Trump on tariffs

Eric Helleiner talk on neomercantilism

The Neomercantilists: A Global Intellectual History, by Eric Helleiner

Radical Hamilton: Economic Lessons from a Misunderstood Founder, by Christian Parenti

From Le Monde: 'Trump's return to the White House consecrates the rebirth of the original form of capitalism'

Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective, by Ha-Joon Chang

Credits

Theme music by our youngest brother Tate.

Cover art by Arthur Santoro.

Editing by Martin Fischer.

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