Theory and policy in Anglo-Irish trade relations, 1775-1800

Abstract

The manner in which economic theory affects economic policy, and vice-versa, is a question which has been the subject of much generalisation, but little detailed research. Obvious instances can be found in which policy has been influenced by established doctrine, while in other cases it can be held that theories apparently general have arisen in the attempt to explain or justify particular policies. Such broad assertions, however, are unsatisfactory and frequently tendentious; there seems thus to be a need for closer examination of the relations between theory and policy and the causes of change in the dominance of one over the other at different periods and places. The present paper summarises the first results in a long-period programme of research on this topic.