International Equilibrium and Bretton Woods: Kalecki's Alternative to Keynes and White and its Consequences

International Equilibrium and Bretton Woods is a collection of papers that assess the background and results of the Bretton Woods agreements, focusing on the critical assessment of the Keynes and White Plans by Michal Kalecki and the consequences for present-day international economics and monetary policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

International Equilibrium and Bretton Woods is a comprehensive collection of papers presented at a special conference organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Bretton Woods Conference. The conference brought together a diverse group of distinguished speakers, each offering their insights into the background and outcomes of the Bretton Woods agreements. The central focus of the discussion revolves around a critical assessment of the Keynes and White Plans by Michal Kalecki, a renowned economist. Kalecki's analysis sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of these plans and their implications for present-day international economics and international monetary and financial policy.

However, what sets this volume apart is its unique ability to bring together critical assessments of the Keynes and White Plans that were made at the time by Kalecki, Fritz Schumacher, Thomas Balogh, and Raul Prebisch. These assessments, while highly influential in their own right, have largely been overlooked in contemporary discussions. In addition, the volume also includes critical assessments of the work of the Bretton Woods Institutions since the establishment of these institutions in 1944.

The papers in International Equilibrium and Bretton Woods provide a valuable historical perspective on the origins and evolution of international economic cooperation. They offer insights into the debates and discussions that shaped the post-World War II economic landscape and the policies that were adopted to promote stability and growth. By examining the Keynes and White Plans, as well as the subsequent critiques, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that faced policymakers during this period.

Furthermore, the volume provides a critical evaluation of the Bretton Woods Institutions and their role in shaping the global economic system. The authors examine the successes and failures of these institutions, as well as the challenges they face in the modern world. They offer suggestions for reform and improvement, aimed at ensuring that the Bretton Woods institutions continue to play a vital role in promoting global economic stability and prosperity.

In conclusion, International Equilibrium and Bretton Woods is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, economics, and politics of international economic cooperation. The collection of papers offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the Bretton Woods Conference and its legacy, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that faced policymakers in the post-World War II era. By examining the critical assessments of the Keynes and White Plans, as well as the work of the Bretton Woods Institutions, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the global economic system and the policies that are necessary to promote stability and growth in the future.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 146 x 223 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192856401