Description
Book SynopsisThe book analyzes the evolution of the concept of comparative advantage from the eighteenth century to the present day. It examines the origins of the concept of comparative advantage, its current status within economic thought and its validity in today's global economy.
This comprehensive book outlines the theories of trade and the interpretations of comparative advantage associated with, among others, the Mercantilists, Smith, Ricardo, Torrens, Longfield, Mill, Marshall, Pareto, Haberler, Heckscher, Ohlin and Samuelson, as well as present day trade theorists. A chapter is devoted to Hamilton, Rae and List, who interpreted comparative advantage dynamically by advocating its creation.
The book breaks new ground by reinterpreting the theories of trade associated with prominent economists such as Ricardo, and drawing attention to valuable but lesser known contributions. It considers the new trade theory from the past two decades as a legitimate successor to the dynamic views of comparative advantage of the classical economists.
This book will be required reading for students and academics with an interest in the history of economic thought and the economics (or theory) of international trade.
Trade Review'Maneschi's clearly and attractively written book traces the evolution of comparative advantage based theorizing in relation to international trade. . . . a fine book, combining many fascinating details with a clear overall argument. There are ample notes, a bibliography, and an index; the volume is well-produced. It will prove to be rewarding for many readers.'Table of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction 2. The Concept of Comparative Advantage 3. Theories of International Trade up to Adam Smith 4. David Ricardo, Robert Torrens and the Discovery of Comparative Advantage 5. Creators of Comparative Advantage: Alexander Hamilton, John Rae and Friedrich List 6. John Stuart Mill: Comparative Advantage and the Terms of Trade 7. Neoclassical Trade Theory: Alfred Marshall, Vilfredo Pareto and Enrico Barone 8. Neoclassical Trade Theory: Gottfried Haberler, Eli Heckscher and Bertil Ohlin 9. The Heckscher–Ohlin Theory Encounters the New Trade Theory 10. The (Almost) General Validity of Comparative Advantage Index
