International Trade and Political Institutions: Instituting Trade in the Long 19th Century (Elgar Monographs)

'This stimulating and well-written volume is based on the papers originally presented at a mini-conference held at Washington University in St. Louis ...I do not exaggerate in saying that this should be standard reading for international relations theorists as well as economists and economic historians interested in the political economy of trade reform.' - John V.C. Nye, EH.Net 'In International Trade and Political Institutions, four leading young scholars of comparative and international political economy come together to analyse aspects of trade policy from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries. Combining theoretical sophistication with empirical depth, they provide cogent arguments about the interaction of interests, institutions, and ideas in a period of crucial importance to those who would like to understand the sources and implications of global economic integration. This exciting volume will be of great interest for scholars concerned with international trade, political economy, and the history of the nineteenth-century world economy.' - Jeffry A. Frieden, Harvard University, US 'This fascinating volume should be read by political scientists, economists, and historians interested in the political formation of trade policy. The papers consider a rich set of historical examples and never fail to be provocative and interesting.' - Douglas Irwin, Dartmouth College, US It is a widely held view that politics plays an important role in determining international trade policy. Defining precisely why, and how, politics matters is more difficult. Despite the benefits of trade, few nations have wholeheartedly adopted free trade policies, and when they do so it is by managing trade through international institutions and multi- or bilateral trade treaties. International Trade and Political Institutions broadens the public choice theory of trade politics to allow for the study of ideas and institutions within a longer time horizon. The authors use theoretically rigorous historical analysis of international political economy and four important case studies to help untangle the role of ideology, institutions and interests. This illuminating book connects the fields of economics, political economy and history to shed new light on trade theory. Scholars of political science and economy, economics and history will all find this book fascinating and worthwhile reading.Cheryl Schonhardt-Bailey is the author of 'International Trade and Political Institutions: Instituting Trade in the Long 19th Century (Elgar Monographs)', published 2002 under ISBN 9781840646900 and ISBN 184064690X.