Introduction

Abstract

The introduction outlines the purpose of the book, its perspective, and its approach. Having identified three chronological moments in the making of ordoliberalism, the author illustrates its main themes and objectives and their relations with the current debate on ordoliberalism. The author then summarizes the contents of the book and indicates its basic structure and features, briefly anticipating its main conclusions. He examines the contributions of several important figures in the ordoliberal arena, including Walter Eucken and Wilhelm Röpke, and gives a brief history of their works and their influence on modern economics as it pertains especially to Europe. A discussion of the concept of “power” in economics is also provided.