In Defense of Liberal Peace
6 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2020 Last revised: 3 Aug 2020
Date Written: July 17, 2020
Abstract
In a recent edition of Economic Affairs, Edwin van de Haar provides evidence against the thesis that trade fosters peace. However, I argue his description of the “trade-fosters-peace” thesis as insufficiently precise is incorrect. By its nature, we must use probabilistic language. Furthermore, I argue against his discussion that Adam Smith did not think trade could foster peace between two nations, though Smith is not as strong in the liberal peace thesis as some modern interpreters would argue.
Keywords: Adam Smith, Liberal Peace, Montesquieu, International Trade, National Defense
JEL Classification: B12, B17, B31, F02, F10, F51
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation