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Postwar Planner and Trade Minister

Author

Listed:
  • Claes Berg

    (Retired from Sveriges Riksbank)

Abstract

During World War II, Gunnar Myrdal, Willy Brandt, and Bruno Kreisky led the Little International in Stockholm and published a peace manifesto proposing cooperation among nations on a federal basis, embedded in a new global organization to succeed the League of Nations. Gunnar Myrdal also played a significant role in the Swedish Post-War Council of the Labor Movement which called for full employment, fair distribution, greater efficiency, and more democracy in business. It argued for a planned economy without extensive nationalization of industry. Instead, it focused on supporting private sector production with policies to maintain economic stability and full employment. Gunnar Myrdal served as Trade Minister after WWII but faced challenges, including controversy over trade agreements with the Soviet Union and domestic economic crises. Alva Myrdal worked on refugee aid and post-war reconstruction, advocating for Sweden’s moral responsibility in Europe’s recovery. The Myrdal Commission, led by Gunnar, developed comprehensive economic policies for Sweden’s post-war era but was met with mistrust from business organizations and political opponents. Ultimately, Gunnar Myrdal’s tenure as Trade Minister was marked by controversy and opposition, leading to his departure in 1947. Despite challenges, his ideas were highly influential in shaping Sweden’s post-war policies and modernization efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Claes Berg, 2025. "Postwar Planner and Trade Minister," Springer Studies in the History of Economic Thought,, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:spshcp:978-3-031-75075-5_7
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-75075-5_7
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