A History of Polish Economic Thought

From its beginnings, Polish economic thought has had a strong national character resulting from specific socio-political and economic realities.
Drawing on the broader historical context, this book presents the main stages and contributions in the development of Polish economic thought from the medieval period to modern times. Focusing on economists and economic schools active within Poland, the book presents the development of Polish economic thought in the context of Polish history, economic history, sociocultural conditions, and the history of economics. The book features prominent figures such as Oskar Lange, Michal Kalecki, and Rosa Luxemburg, but the emphasis is on broader trends and developments across key periods. From the 16th century until the loss of independence in 1795, discussion on economic activity was part of a broader analysis of social relations. During the years of the partitions, the paramount issue for all Polish economists was regaining independence, which gave rise to the idea of Polish national economics. Independence in 1918 was a fundamental impulse for the development of theoretical research, led by the achievements of Lange and Kalecki. After World War II, the political and economic changes again influenced the development of Polish economics, being forced to consider the realities of a non-market economy. The tremendous political, economic, and social changes that began in 1989 led to significant shifts in Polish economic thought, with a particular emphasis on the research on the transition from a planned to a market economy.
The book will be vital reading for those interested in the history of economic thought, economic history, Polish history, and European history more broadly.

Marek Ratajczak is Professor Emeritus at the Poznan University of Economics and Business where he was previously head of the Institute of Economics, and chair of the Department of Macroeconomics and Development Studies.