Description
This thesis examines the effects of mercantilism on the globalized economy of the twenty-first century, and the potential implications for the United States. By analyzing, classical mercantilism and trade corporations of the seventeenth and eighteenth century with those of the twenty-first, I develop an understanding of where modern mercantile states may evolve. I present a historical study on the British East India Company to demonstrate how modern state-owned trade corporations are utilized in much the same manner as their predecessors, followed by an analysis of current industry leading trade companies of the modern age. I further analyze current trends of mercantilism in Asia, comparing the economic systems of China and Singapore and the manner in which they both operate stateowned trade corporations to advance national needs, and the risks that are presented to the United States from their actions. Discussing the national security implications for the United States, I address the manner in which China is using mercantilism and its state-owned trades companies to produce an increased Chinese presence in the sphere of American influence, and the potential avenues for future conflict between the two global powers.
