Morals of Economic Internationalism

In Morals of Economic Internationalism, John A. Hobson mounts a trenchant critique of how ethics are applied unevenly to individuals, corporations, and nations, arguing that the moral law must guide international economic life as surely as private conduct. Written in the aftermath of World War I and delivered as a series of lectures, Hobson’s political economy analysis probes the conscience of modern capitalism, exposing the double standards that let corporations and states escape the obligations they would demand of ordinary citizens. Combining moral philosophy with sharp economic observation, Hobson examines the ethical foundations of international trade, the social responsibilities of large enterprises, and the duty of nations toward one another. He interrogates how corporate power, national interest, and commercial competition shape policy and public sentiment, offering historical context from the early 20th-century debates over imperialism, free trade, and economic reform. The tone is both prescriptive and analytic, aimed at restoring moral coherence to economic internationalism. Ideal for listeners of economics and political economy, historians of economic thought, policymakers, and anyone concerned with trade ethics and global governance, this audiobook clarifies why moral principles matter in shaping fair and sustainable international economic relations.