Working paper
OA Policy
English

Globalization 2.0: The Geopolitics of the US Exchange Stabilization Fund, 1934-1945

Number of pages26
PublisherGenève : Paul Bairoch Institute of Economic History
Collection
  • Economic History Working Papers; 3/2025
First online date2025-05-15
Abstract

This paper adopts a historical perspective to examine the geopolitical dimensions of monetary policy, focusing on the 1930s. During this period, Stabilization Funds were established to promote exchange rate stability as nations abandoned the gold exchange standard. These entities intervened in foreign exchange markets and extended stabilization loans to other countries. This article analyzes the experience of the U.S. Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), situating it within the broader context of global economic fragmentation and the formation of currency blocs. The analysis reveals that rivalries with foreign powers significantly influenced the outcomes of these loans, and the political conditions attached to them delineated the boundaries of the expanding "dollar bloc." The U.S. ESF emerged as a pivotal instrument, enabling the United States to secure trade markets while bolstering the war efforts of allied nations.

Keywords
  • Economic fragmentation
  • Great depression
  • Geopolitical competition
  • Currency crises
  • Dollar diplomacy
Classification
  • JEL : N12
  • JEL : N16
  • JEL : N22
  • JEL : N26
  • JEL : F15
  • JEL : F34
  • JEL : F36
  • JEL : F53
Citation (ISO format)
FLORES ZENDEJAS, Juan, NODARI, Gianandrea. Globalization 2.0: The Geopolitics of the US Exchange Stabilization Fund, 1934-1945. 2025
Main files (1)
Working paper
accessLevelPublic
Identifiers
  • PID : unige:185041
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277downloads

Technical informations

Creation05/18/2025 11:11:49 AM
First validation05/19/2025 8:02:38 AM
Update time07/08/2025 7:43:41 AM
Status update07/08/2025 7:43:41 AM
Last indexation07/08/2025 7:43:42 AM
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