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

Historical Context and Significance

Ha-Joon Chang's book «Bad Samaritans: The Myth of Free Trade and the Secret History of Capitalism» offers a critical analysis of neoliberal economic policies and free trade. The author contends that developed countries, which today promote free trade, reached their level of development through protectionist measures and government support. Chang challenges traditional economic theories, arguing that developing countries need to use the same strategies that developed countries employed in the past to achieve economic growth. The book has significantly influenced discussions on globalization and economic policy, highlighting the importance of historical context in understanding economic development. It has sparked debates about the fairness of the international trade system and the role of the state in the economy, making it a vital contribution to economic literature and political discourse.