Mercantilism

This episode unpacks Mercantilism, the dominant economic doctrine of early modern Europe. Centered on the idea that national power came from amassing wealth - especially gold and silver - mercantilism pushed nations to export more, import less, and strictly control trade. We trace its rise from the 16th to 18th centuries, its influence in countries like England and France, and the protectionist policies it inspired. We also look at how critics like Adam Smith dismantled its core assumptions, paving the way for modern economics - and how echoes of mercantilism still shape global trade policy today.