The dreams of "leaving it up to the market" or of returning to a politically neutral gold standard cannot succeed because the nature of the monetary system has a profound impact on the interests of powerful groups and states. Affected groups and states will always try to intervene in the operation of the system to make it serve their interests.
Robert GilpinI was certain that I was not a Marxist, but I did believe firmly that a connection between economics and politics existed.
Robert GilpinA market is not politically neutral; its existence creates economic power which one actor can use against another.
Robert GilpinThe historical record suggests that the transition to to a new hegemon has always been attended by what I have elsewhere called hegemonic war.
Robert GilpinThe dreams of "leaving it up to the market" or of returning to a politically neutral gold standard cannot succeed because the nature of the monetary system has a profound impact on the interests of powerful groups and states. Affected groups and states will always try to intervene in the operation of the system to make it serve their interests.
Robert Gilpin