Social Market Economy: The Case of Germany

by Stefan Sorin Muresan

Overview

The book presents the economic policy model known as “Social Market Economy” in Germany, the country where it originated. Although the model has since been adopted as core objective in the EU Treaty of Lisbon, experts still disagree on its exact nature. The author contributes to this debate by presenting the German economic system from an external perspective and looking at the extent to which it enabled the country increase its weight in international relations. The system´s history, identity, political and economic concepts, including ordoliberalism, are analyzed. Its potential and shortcomings are assessed by comparing it to other forms of capitalism. A brief enquiry is made into whether the "Social Market Economy", or aspects of it, are applicable to other countries, including in Eastern Europe. Providing both theoretical and practical aspects, the book offers a valuable resource for researchers, public administration professionals, and policymakers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783319358680
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	08/19/2016
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2014
Pages:	410
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Stefan Sorin Muresan holds a PhD in Economics from Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, an MA in diplomatic studies from the University of Westminster in London and a MSc. equivalent degree in mechanical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. His main areas of academic interest are foreign policy and international economics and is affiliated to the Altiero Spinelli Centre for the Study of European Organization of the University Babes-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca Romania. He worked as a senior diplomat in the Romanian Embassy in Germany and in the Department for Economic Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest, and served as an advisor on international relations to the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania in Bucharest. Mureşan partly lives in Germany where he works as a business consultant specializing in East-West business development for industry and trade, in international project management and as political consultant on behalf of The Diplomatic Economist Ltd. whose director he is. He teaches “Economic Diplomacy” for incoming international students at the University of Applied Science Würzburg, lectures at political foundations and works occasionally for the Federal German Institute for Vocational Education and Training as an expert for evaluating EU projects and for CEDEFOP and international study visits.

Table of Contents

Foreword.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Philosophical and Historical Roots for the Social Market Economy.- 3 Models of Capitalism.- 4 Pillars of the Social Market Economy as Implemented in Germany.- 5 Building Up and Implementing a Social Market Economy in Germany.- 6 What is on the Horizon for the Social Market Economy?.- 7 Principles and Economic Style Molded Into Sustainability and Foreign Policy Interests.- 8 Appendices to Politicians, Legislation, and National Economic Statistics.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Hard-working, intelligent people can be found in any nation. Nevertheless, the sum of economic results for a nation as a whole can differ tremendously. Stefan Sorin Mureşan provides the readers with an understanding of key success factors by discussing the case of Germany. The strength of this country is based on the Social Market Economy and is well documented by all credit rating agencies worldwide.- Dr. Oliver Everling, Guest Professor of the Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) in Beijing,China, CEO of RATING EVIDENCE GmbH, Frankfurt and Co-Editor of the magazine 'Kredit & Rating Praxis', Germany

The social market economy is a popular reference but most of the time a misunderstood school of thought. Dr. Mureșan presents a thorough analysis of its intellectual roots and skilfully guides us to its various consequences for domestic and international economic policy, past and present. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand German economic policy and why much of it has been at odds with the way the Euro crisis was managed. - Dr. Fredrik Erixon, Director and co-founder of the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), Brussels