L’ economia politica, la crescita e l’euro in una prospettiva storica[Political economy, growth and the euro in historical perspective]

This contribution is, first and foremost, a reflection on the theme of political economy and the historical evolution of its ideas. It highlights some salient moments in the history of political economy and remembers the main protagonists who have contributed to the development of the discipline and its ideas. In analyzing the ideas of political economists, the themes examined include innovation, economic growth, and technological change. Finally, the essay discusses the European Monetary Union and the adoption of the single currency, the euro. It refers to the different crises this currency has experienced over the past twenty years and the various reforms implemented to ensure the survival of the European Monetary Union.