Bridging comparative and international political economy for the study of industrial policy beyond the hegemons: Introduction to special issue

This special issue unpacks the transformation of industrial policy among non-hegemonic powers (NHPs) by bridging otherwise compartmentalized debates within comparative political economy and international political economy. Four cross-cutting findings emerge across the contributions. First, industrial policy is conditioned by the historical legacies of each country’s positioning in the global economy. Second, exposure to unstable geoeconomic competition exerts a decisive influence on industrial policy. Third, domestic institutions and political dynamics mediate the effects of external pressures. Fourth, while industrial policy may improve competitiveness in exceptional cases, it often comes at the expense of new inequalities for NHPs.