Made in Holland: A case for economic nationalism & industrial policy (Introduction)
By Sam Volkers
Since the 2008 crisis one term has become increasingly prevalent again in world politics: economic nationalism. Others have referred to it as economic patriotism, protectionism, developmentalism or mercantilism. Its rise has been praised by some and decried by others, and its ideas appeal to a wide variety of political groups from both the left and right.
Another policy that has been increasingly relevant recently is industrial policy. This policy (which was a political and economic taboo for years in the West) has been gaining ground again due to the many problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the decline of manufacturing industries in developed countries.
But what are economic nationalism and industrial policy exactly? How are they related? And what are the problems with free trade? In this article series I will explain just that, while also making the case for a system of economic nationalism and industrial policy suited to the Netherlands.
In part one of the series, I will explain what economic nationalism and industrial policy are and look at the history of both ideas. In part two of the series, I will talk about the problems caused by free trade and globalization. In the third and final part of the series, I will make a case for economic nationalism and industrial policy, and give an outline for what this new system should look like.
List of the articles:
