Ha-Joon Chang
Biography
Ha-Joon Chang (born 1963) is a prominent South Korean institutional economist specializing in development economics. He is currently a Professor of Economics at SOAS University of London. Chang is known for his critical stance on neoliberal economic policies and his advocacy for state intervention in economic development, often drawing on historical case studies to challenge mainstream economic theories. Educated at Seoul National University and the University of Cambridge, where he earned his Ph.D., Chang's work emphasizes that rich countries largely achieved their wealth through protectionist and interventionist policies, rather than the free-market principles they now advocate for developing nations. His writings aim to demystify economics for a broader audience, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. He has served as a consultant for various international organizations, including the World Bank and the United Nations.
Selected Thoughts
«The free market doesn't exist. Every market has some rules and regulations that restrict freedom of choice. A market looks free only because we so unconditionally accept its underlying restrictions that we fail to even see them.»
«There is no such thing as a free market. It is a myth. All markets are regulated.»
«Developing countries need to protect their infant industries from global competition in order to grow.»
Writing Style
His writing style is highly accessible, engaging, and often polemical, aiming to deconstruct complex economic theories for a general audience. He employs historical case studies, real-world analogies, and a conversational tone to challenge conventional wisdom and make his arguments persuasive and understandable, even to those without a background in economics.