Keynesian Policy Space in "Globalized" Economies

This article shows that in highly internationally financially integrated ("globalized") economies, policymakers' ability to implement effective expansionary macroeconomic policies, referred to in the article as "Keynesian policy space," is influenced by the portfolio decisions of a specific group of investors known as "Global investors." This conclusion arises from a two-country, open-economy model in which Global investors allocate capital internationally based primarily on their perception of the policy credibility of the countries where they invest their managed wealth. In countries that Global investors deem highly credible, expansionary macroeconomic policies prove effective in terms of stimulating output and resource employment. Conversely, in countries perceived as having weak credibility, the portfolio decisions of these investors may undermine the effectiveness of such policies. Consequently, the anticipated real effects of these policies may dissipate into domestic currency depreciation and higher inflation. Following the derivation and evaluation of this conclusion, the article explores various options for countries to establish and maintain Keynesian policy space.