126 (2) 2006

Gustav Schmoller and Globalisation

Heinz Rieter

Joachim Zweynert

Based on a relativist approach to the history of economic thought, in this paper it is argued that both Gustav Schmoller's methodology and his views on economic and social policy can be seen as a reaction to the challenges Germany's increasing integration into the world econ-omy brought about. We hold that his integrated, dialectical understanding of the globalisation process offers insights that have not lost their significance up to the present day. This is cer-tainly not true of his views on imperialism and naval policy, which are often left aside in modern appraisals of his work. However, we hold that they are important to a complete pic-ture of Schmoller's views on globalisation.

Back to Table of Contents