Against the Hamiltonian Statecraft

 

Summary

The critique of Hamiltonian statecraft advocates for a return to free market principles in U.S. foreign policy to address historical flaws, reduce interventionism, and align with classical liberal values.

Hamilton’s Influence and Policies

1. Hamilton’s foreign policy was characterized as mercantilist, pro-British, and centralized, opposing free markets and individual liberty, as outlined in Aaron Sobczak’s article “It’s Always Been Hamiltonian Statecraft” on Mises.org.

2. Hamilton’s policies, including the establishment of a central bank and institutions favoring the wealthy, were deemed authoritarian and detrimental to ordinary citizens, positioning him as a “fifth columnist” among the founding fathers who sought a return to Old World authoritarianism.

Critique of Hamiltonian Statecraft

3. Walter Russell Mead’s article in Foreign Affairs praises Hamilton’s “enlightened patriotism” and argues for the revival of Hamiltonian statecraft in American foreign policy, while Sobczak contends that Hamilton’s policies were fundamentally anti-liberal and anti-individual.

4. Mead acknowledges that Hamilton’s pragmatic mercantilism is economically inefficient and promotes corruption, but justifies it as acceptable if the country still flourishes despite these drawbacks.

Historical Context and Influence

5. Hamilton’s sympathies for monarchies and absolute rule, along with his desire to return to the British system, set him apart from classical liberals like Jefferson, who opposed mercantilism and Old World policies.

6. Hamilton’s influence on the Constitution included the incorporation of “necessary and proper clauses” and “general welfare clauses”, which he successfully advocated for through his ambition, pride, and forceful temperament.