PETITIA · Political Economy of Trade, Institutions, and Transnational Interests, in the Atlantic

Political Economy of Trade, Institutions, and Transnational Interests, in the Atlantic

The research project aims to explore the influence of economic interests across national borders (transnational advocacy networks) in the international political economy of the seventeenth century. Specifically, it focuses on the discovery of a previously unknown mid-seventeenth-century manuscript detailing plans for a Dutch American Company. This company was intended to protect Dutch trade with English colonies in Barbados, the Leeward Islands, and Virginia. The study seeks to understand how economic networks attempted to shape international politics and diplomacy during this period. Importance for Society Understanding the historical dynamics of transnational economic networks and their influence on political decision-making is crucial for several reasons: 1. Historical Insight: It provides a deeper understanding of how economic interests have historically shaped international relations and political structures. 2. Contemporary Relevance: The study of historical transnational advocacy networks can offer insights into modern global economic and political interactions. 3. Policy Implications: The findings can inform current policy-making, particularly in areas like international trade and diplomacy, by highlighting the role of non-state actors in shaping policy. Overall Objectives The project has several key objectives: 1. Uncover Historical Networks: To reconstruct and analyze the transnational advocacy networks that influenced international political economy in the seventeenth century. 2. Examine Economic Influence: To study how these economic networks attempted to control and influence international politics. 3. Investigate Formal Organization: To explore why a successful transnational economic network sought to become a formal, state-chartered organization like the Dutch American Company. 4. Challenge Existing Theories: To challenge and expand existing economic theories by demonstrating the political motivations behind the formation of formal organizations. 5. Public Engagement: To disseminate the findings to a broader audience through publications, conferences, and public debates, thereby contributing to historical and contemporary discussions on economic and political interactions. This research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also provides valuable insights for policymakers and the general public, emphasizing the enduring impact of economic interests on global politics.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union