International Political Economy Essay - 633 words

International Political Economy Let me start with the worlds politico-strategic affairs, which I would summarize here in terms of three main assumptions that get made about human nature. Assumptions about human nature tend to fall into three categories. There are those who believe that (mostly other) people (individually or collectively) are good, bad, or rational. Again, individuals and groups are clearly all three. I only note here how scholars themselves tend to talk about politico-strategic affairs. Those who see people as basically bad tend to see the worlds politico-strategic affairs in realist terms. (Those who reach towards more rationalist premises are neo-Marxists). Both depict world affairs as a constant struggle for the power to survive.


They see state-makers as living in an ungoverned world and as having to prepare for the worst. The self-help strategies that result may range from self-defense through the attempt to dominate others (imperialism) to the acceptance of a common power (neo-mercantilists) capable of keeping all in awe (hegemony). Neo-mercantilism contains many interlocking principles. Precious metals, such as gold and silver, were deemed indispensable to a nations wealth by mercantilists. If a nation did not possess mines or have access to them, precious metals should be obtained by trade. Neo-mercantilists believe that trade balances must be favorable, meaning an excess of exports over imports. Third world markets are used for exports and are viewed as suppliers of raw materials to the mother country.


A strong nation, according to the neo-mercantilist theory, is to have a large population, for a large population would provide a supply of labor, a market, and army. Human wants were to be minimized, especially for imported luxury goods, for they drained off precious foreign exchange. Sumptuary laws (affecting food and drugs) were to be passed to make sure that wants were held low. Thrift, saving, and even parsimony were regarded ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Essay Tags: international political economy, international political, free trade, political economy, hegemony

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