An Inframarginal Approach to Trade Theory (Increasing Returns and Inframarginal Economics)

Inframarginal analysis represents a methodology that extends marginal analysis, using non-classical mathematical programming, in efforts to investigate corner solutions and indivisibilities. As such this approach has been used to reintroduce classical insights regarding the division of labor and economic organization to the mainstream of economic inquiry. One of the most prolific and useful relevant applications of inframarginal analysis concerns the area of international trade theory. The ensuing field of study has attracted considerable -- and rapidly expanding -- interest in recent years. Yet, little has been done by way of organizing the accumulated knowledge in a single volume. This book fills that gap by collecting key articles that mark distinct stages in the evolution of research in the area of inframarginal applications to trade theory. In this context the volume represents an excellent introduction of this novel and exciting field of study to the new researcher, and an invaluable source of reference to those seasoned in inframarginal applications to trade theory.