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The dynamics of international exploitation

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan F Cogliano

    (Economics Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA)

  • Roberto Veneziani

    (School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK)

  • Naoki Yoshihara

    (Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
    The Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University, Kunitachi, Tokyo, Japan
    School of Management, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi, Japan)

Abstract

This paper develops a framework to analyse imperialistic international relations (IIR) and the dynamics of international exploitation. A new exploitation index is proposed which captures the territorial structure of IIR: wealthy nations are net lenders and exploiters, whereas endowment-poor countries are net borrowers and exploited. Capital flows transfer surplus from countries in the periphery of the global economy to those in the core. However, while international credit markets and wealth inequalities are central in generating international exploitation, other factors, including labour-saving innovations, are shown to be essential in explaining its persistence.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan F Cogliano & Roberto Veneziani & Naoki Yoshihara, 2024. "The dynamics of international exploitation," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 56(5), pages 1420-1446, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:56:y:2024:i:5:p:1420-1446
    DOI: 10.1177/0308518X231224618
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International exploitation; imperialism; unequal exchange; uneven development; capital movements;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B51 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Socialist; Marxian; Sraffian
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements
    • F54 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Colonialism; Imperialism; Postcolonialism

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