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Stabilization Policy: A Turbulent Journey Through Time

Author

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  • Oliver Landmann

    (Department of International Economic Policy, University of Freiburg)

Abstract

The theory and practice of stabilization policy has taken many turns as it evolved over the past century, oscillating between high hopes and deep skepticism regarding the capacity – and desirability - of governments taking responsibility for macroeconomic stability. This paper reviews the turbulent history of stabilization policy, highlighting the close interaction between events, policies, and ideas. The focus is on the single most debated issue in this history: the resilience of a market economy in the face of macroeconomic shocks. Views on this question have been shaped by experience, theory and ideology to varying degrees.

Suggested Citation

  • Oliver Landmann, 2022. "Stabilization Policy: A Turbulent Journey Through Time," Discussion Paper Series 42, Department of International Economic Policy, University of Freiburg, revised Sep 2022.
  • Handle: RePEc:fre:wpaper:42
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Stabilization Policy; Macroeconomics; Fiscal Policy; Monetary Policy; History of Economic Thought;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B10 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - General
    • B20 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - General
    • E00 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - General
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E50 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - General
    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory

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