Exporting Capitalism

Ethan Kapstein provides us an historical panorama of how, in the postwar period, the US sought to establish not only a rule-based system but one built on private enterprise. As it turns out, the motivation was not just the narrowly self-interested reason of advancing the interests of American multinationals, but had deeper ideological roots. Kapstein provides fresh insights into a neglected topic: the liberal order narrative. -- Stephan Haggard, University of California, San Diego Ethan Kapstein has drawn on his rare combination of academic expertise and professional experience to craft a wide-ranging and provocative analysis of the sources, implementation, and impact of US government efforts to promote capitalism abroad. The lessons he draws about the effectiveness of US foreign aid policies will help scholars and policymakers think more historically and creatively about the means and ends of efforts to advance the national interest by reshaping the world. -- David S. Painter, Georgetown University Foreign direct investment by the United States to promote private enterprise has often been overlooked by scholars exploring the variety of competing approaches to promote economic growth and change around the world. Kapstein draws out the longer history of such efforts, highlighting one underappreciated segment of the complex global story of international development. -- David Ekbladh, Tufts University Kapstein highlights an important but neglected component to US strategy during the Cold War: encouraging private enterprise around the world to spread capitalism and economic development. Combining personal knowledge and research that ranges from East Asia to Latin America, he brings the story up to date and with lessons for the globalization challenges of today. -- Douglas Irwin, Dartmouth College A very interesting and enjoyable read, gaining much from the author’s personal practical experience. -- Diane Coyle * Enlightened Economist *