Subject. This article analyzes the fundamental differences between the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and mainstream economic theory. It focuses on the opposing approaches to fiscal policy, monetary policy, inflation, and the role of the State in the economy. Objectives. The article aims to identify and analyze the key differences between the MMT and mainstream economics, as well as rethink traditional concepts such as government financing and the relationship between fiscal and monetary authorities. Methods. For the study, I used a comparative analysis. Results. The article identifies the key differences between the approaches of the MMT and mainstream economics. The article also highlights the weaknesses and contentious issues of the MMT, such as the politicization of economic policy and the impact of budget deficits on the external sector. Conclusions and Relevance. Applying alternative approaches in the face of global economic challenges, especially in the context of developing countries, is highly important. The results obtained may be useful for further study and development of effective economic strategies.
Keywords: modern monetary theory, MMT, macroeconomic policy, fiscal policy, sovereign state
References:
Grishchenko V., Ostapenko V., Tkachev V., Tunev V. [Modern Monetary Theory (MMT): A New Paradigm or a Set of Recommendations for Macroeconomic Policy?]. Ekonomicheskaya politika, 2021, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 8–43. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.18288/1994-5124-2021-3-8-43 EDN: FHTZUJ
Mundell R. Uncommon Arguments for Common Currencies. In: Johnson H., Swoboda A. (Eds) The Economics of Common Currencies. London, Routledge, 1973.
Mitchell W., Wray L.R., Watts M. Macroeconomics. Bloomsbury Academic, 2019, 604 p.
Lerner A.P. Functional finance and the federal debt. Social Research, 1943, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 38–51.
Wray L.R. The 'Kansas City' Approach to Modern Money Theory. Levy Economics Institute of Bard College, 2020. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3650357
Mitchell W.F. Debt and Deficits – A Modern Monetary Theory Perspective. Australian Economic Review, 2020, vol. 53, iss. 4, pp. 566–576. DOI: 10.1111/1467-8462.12400 EDN: SOKSTS
Afonso A. Ricardian fiscal regimes in the European Union. Empirica, 2008, vol. 35, iss. 3, pp. 313–334. DOI: 10.1007/s10663-008-9066-3 EDN: SOUZJK
Christ C.F. A simple macroeconomic model with a government budget restraint. Journal of Political Economy, 1968, vol. 76, no. 1, pp. 53–67. DOI: 10.1086/259381
Mitchell W.F. The modern monetary theory literature seems to have escaped Drumetz/Pfister. European Journal of Economics and Economic Policies, 2023, vol. 20, iss. 1, pp. 23–33. DOI: 10.4337/ejeep.2022.0090 EDN: HUCRNY
Godley W., McCarthy G. Fiscal policy will matter. Challenge, 1998, vol. 41, iss. 1, pp. 38–54. DOI: 10.1080/05775132.1998.11472012
Lavoie M., Zezza G. (Eds). The Stock-Flow Consistent Approach: Selected Writings of Wynne Godley. New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. DOI: 10.1057/9780230353848
Mitchell W., Muysken J. Full Employment Abandoned: Shifting Sands and Policy Failures. International Journal of Public Policy, 2010, vol. 5, no. 4. DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2010.032299
Juniper J., Sharpe T.P., Watts M.J. Modern Monetary Theory: Contributions and Critics. Journal of Post Keynesian Economics, 2014, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 281–307.
Mitchell W.F., Muysken J. Full Employment Abandoned: Shifting Sands and Policy Failures. Aldershot, Edward Elgar, 2008, 320 p. DOI: 10.4337/9781848441422
Arestis P., Sawyer M. Aggregate Demand, Conflict and Capacity in the Inflationary Process. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 2005, vol. 29, iss. 6, pp. 959–974. DOI: 10.1093/cje/bei079 EDN: IMQXFZ
Sawyer M. Employer of Last Resort: Could It Deliver Full Employment and Price Stability? Journal of Economic Issues, 2003, vol. 37, iss. 4, pp. 881–907. DOI: 10.1080/00213624.2003.11506635 EDN: GXFRML
Belyaev V.A. [Monetary Policy after the Global Financial Crisis: Tradition versus Innovation]. Etap: ekonomicheskaya teoriya, analiz, praktika, 2024, no. 5, pp. 99–118. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.24412/2071-6435-2024-5-99-118 EDN: DGAMZY
Cukierman A. Monetary policy and institutions before, during, and after the global financial crisis. Journal of Financial Stability, 2013, vol. 9, iss. 3, pp. 373–384. DOI: 10.1016/j.jfs.2013.02.002
Forstater M., Mosler W. The Natural Rate of Interest Is Zero. Journal of Economic Issues, 2005, vol. 39, iss. 2, pp. 535–542. DOI: 10.1080/00213624.2005.11506832
Fullwiler S. Functional Finance and the Debt Ratio. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.2196482