The First Globalization Debate

32 Pages Posted: 27 Oct 2010 Last revised: 9 Jul 2014

See all articles by Craufurd Goodwin

Craufurd Goodwin

Duke University - Department of Economics

Date Written: September 1, 2010

Abstract

Early in the 18th century, before the birth of political economy as a discipline, two of the earliest novels in the English language were published: Robinson Crusoe (1719) by writer and economic entrepreneur Daniel Defoe, and Gulliver’s Travels (1726) by the cleric and political adviser Jonathan Swift. The first was widely perceived as an entertaining adventure story, the latter as a pioneering work of science fiction. Both contain indirect comment on the foreign policy of Britain at the time. When viewed from the perspective of the modern economist, however, the works appear to be expressions of opposing positions on the desirability of a nation pursuing integration within a world economy. Crusoe demonstrated the gains from international trade and colonization and even the attendant social and political benefits. He explores the instinct to trade overseas, stages of growth, and the need for careful cost-benefit calculations. By contrast Swift warned of the complex entanglements that would arise from globalization, especially with foreign leaders who operated from theory and models rather than common sense. He makes a case for economic autarky.

Keywords: Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver’s Travels, globalization debate, international trade, colonies

JEL Classification: B11, B31, F02

Suggested Citation

Goodwin, Craufurd, The First Globalization Debate (September 1, 2010). Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (ERID) Working Paper No. 97, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1693862

Craufurd Goodwin (Contact Author)

Duke University - Department of Economics ( email )

213 Social Sciences Building
Box 90097
Durham, NC 27708-0204
United States

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