The Concepts Of Economic War And Economic Conflicts In A Global Market Economy

Abstract

The concept of economic war, widely evoked since the end of 1980s, has indeed always remained vague, both on its contents and on its analytical foundations. It raises two main questions, first the function devolved to the economy in the political choices and second the opportunity of economic interventionism. The evocation in some political discourses of the necessity of a "Europe power" in front of United States and emerging countries may ensue from this perspective. On the other hand, the pure liberalism cannot admit the existence of an economic permanent war, as it would mean admitting both the violent nature of the market and the necessity of a State offensive action. Economic war is not trade conflicts or an aggravated economic competition between States and firms. It is indeed advisable to distinguish the "economic war" from the "State conflicts in a global market economy".