Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism

Book Review

Ha-Joon Chang's book «Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism» has received widespread attention from critics and readers for its provocative approach to economic policy and the history of capitalism. Chang challenges conventional views on free trade and globalization, arguing that developed countries, which today advocate for free markets, achieved their prosperity through protectionist measures. Critics note that the author skillfully uses historical examples to demonstrate how economic policies based on free trade can be harmful to developing countries. Chang argues that developed countries, as «bad samaritans», impose economic strategies on developing nations that would not have fostered their own development. The book is praised for its clarity and accessibility, as well as its bold critique of dominant economic theories. However, some critics point out that Chang does not sufficiently account for modern changes in the global economy and the role of technological progress. Overall, «Bad Samaritans» is regarded as an important contribution to the discussion on global economic policy and its impact on the development of nations.