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The Independent European Central Bank: Keynesian Alternatives

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  • Philip Arestis

Abstract

In this paper, the author aims to question the assumptions underlying the economic case for the independent European Central Bank (ECB) and argues that although a European Clearing Agency (ECA) of the type Keynes envisaged for the international economy is not a panacea for the economic problems of the European Union (EU), it is, nonetheless, a better way forward and far superior to the ECB. The paper (1) outlines the theoretical basis of Keynesian monetary and financial theory; (2) aims to ascertain the extent to which credit availability is affected by the creation of an ECB and, on that basis, to offer a critical analysis of current proposals for an ECB; (3) looks closely at the case for the ECA, seen as performing a range of functions rather than having a remit defined simply in terms of strict monetary control, including a commitment to providing the necessary finance for full employment and a responsibility for ensuring that the burden of balance-of-payments adjustment falls upon both deficit and surplus countries.

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  • Philip Arestis, 1999. "The Independent European Central Bank: Keynesian Alternatives," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_274, Levy Economics Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:lev:wrkpap:wp_274
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chick, Victoria & Dow, Sheila, 1988. "A Post-Keynesian Perspective on the Relation Between Banking and Regional Development," Stirling Economics Discussion Papers PE/88/1, University of Stirling, Division of Economics.
    2. C Bean, 1992. "Economic and Monetary Union," CEP Discussion Papers dp0086, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    3. Dornbusch, Rudiger, 1987. "Exchange Rate Economics: 1986," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 97(385), pages 1-18, March.
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    5. Currie, David, 1993. "International Cooperation in Monetary Policy: Has It a Future?," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 103(416), pages 178-187, January.
    6. Victoria Chick, 1992. "Some Methodological Issues in the Theory of Speculation," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Philip Arestis & Sheila C. Dow (ed.), On Money, Method and Keynes, chapter 11, pages 181-192, Palgrave Macmillan.
    7. Sheila C. Dow, 1986. "Post Keynesian Monetary Theory for an Open Economy," Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(2), pages 237-257, December.
    8. Arestis, Philip & Howells, Peter, 1996. "Theoretical Reflections on Endogenous Money: The Problem with 'Convenience Lending.'," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 20(5), pages 539-551, September.
    9. Arestis, Philip & Demetriades, Panicos O, 1997. "Financial Development and Economic Growth: Assessing the Evidence," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 107(442), pages 783-799, May.
    10. Arestis, Philip & Sawyer, Malcolm, 1997. "How Many Cheers for the Tobin Transactions Tax?," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 21(6), pages 753-768, November.
    11. Charles R. Bean, 1992. "Economic and Monetary Union in Europe," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 6(4), pages 31-52, Fall.
    12. Victoria Chick, 1992. "On Money, Method and Keynes," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-21935-3 edited by Philip Arestis & Sheila C. Dow.
    13. Davis, E. Philip, 1995. "Debt, Financial Fragility, and Systemic Risk," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198233312.
    14. Nicholas Kaldor, 1939. "Speculation and Economic Stability," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 7(1), pages 1-27.
    15. Paul Davidson, 1978. "Money and the Real World," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, edition 0, number 978-1-349-15865-2.
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    17. Philip Arestis, 1989. "On the Post Keynesian Challenge to Neoclassical Economics: A Complete Quantitative Macro-Model for the U.K. Economy," Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(4), pages 611-629, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. FIGUERA, Stephano, 2002. "La réforme du système monétaire international : une réflexion dans une perspective keynésienne," LATEC - Document de travail - Economie (1991-2003) 2002-01, LATEC, Laboratoire d'Analyse et des Techniques EConomiques, CNRS UMR 5118, Université de Bourgogne.
    2. Philip B. Whyman, 2015. "Keynes and the International Clearing Union: A Possible Model for Eurozone Reform?," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(2), pages 399-415, March.
    3. Stéfano Figuera, 2002. "The reform of the international monetary system (a Keynesian approach) [La réforme du système monétaire international (une réflexion dans une perspective keynésienne)]," Working Papers hal-01526941, HAL.

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