The Economics and Politics of Money

This book represents the full spectrum of Alan Walters's contribution to economics over thirty years, from academic debate to close involvement in British policy making. It includes not only his earlier contributions to applied monetary economics but also his work on political economy which generated much interest following his appointment as economic adviser to Margaret Thatcher. The volume charts the development of Alan Walters's thinking on money, monetary policy and macroeconomics. It makes special reference to his work on the demand for money and the money multiplier, money and the business cycle and the political economy of money. The book opens with an introduction by Kent Matthews in which he provides an overview of Alan Walters's work in the context of the so-called 'monetarist counter-revolution'. He also offers an introductory discussion on each of the essays, which include: the quantity theory of money, consistent expectations, the time lag effects of money, supply-side policies, foreign exchange rates and anti-inflation policies. These essays offer important policy prescriptions, some of which are particularly timely in the light of increasing European economic and monetary integration. The Economics and Politics of Money will be welcomed by business and government as well as professional economists, social scientists and researchers interested in monetary economics and political economy.