James Meade

James Edward Meade was born on June 23, 1907, in Swanage, Dorset, England. He was an influential economist who made significant contributions to the theory of international trade and economic policy. Meade's work laid the foundation for modern trade theory and he became a key figure in the development of economic thought in the mid-20th century.

James Meade graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1931, where he studied under renowned economists such as John Maynard Keynes. His time at Cambridge was pivotal, providing him with the intellectual foundation and mentorship that would greatly influence his later work in economic theory and policy.

James Meade joined the League of Nations Economic Intelligence Service in 1937, where he worked on international economic statistics and policy analysis. His involvement provided him with a broader international perspective, enhancing his understanding of global economic systems and further informing his academic research and policy recommendations.

In 1940, James Meade became the Director of the Economic Section of the UK Cabinet Office. During World War II, he was responsible for advising the government on economic policy, particularly focusing on issues related to employment and production. Meade's role was crucial in shaping the UK's economic strategies during the war years.

In 1947, James Meade was appointed as the Professor of Commerce at the London School of Economics. His tenure at LSE marked a period where he was able to further develop his theories on international trade and contribute to academia through teaching and research, influencing a new generation of economists.

James Meade published his seminal book 'Trade and Welfare' in 1955, which presented a comprehensive theory of trade policy. The book explored the effects of tariffs, subsidies, and other trade policies on welfare and economic efficiency, utilizing advanced mathematical methods to derive results that are foundational to the field of international economics.

In 1963, James Meade published 'A Neoclassical Theory of Economic Growth', which became one of the key texts in the study of economic growth. The book laid out the dynamics of growth from a neoclassical perspective, incorporating elements of capital accumulation and technological change to explain differences in economic outcomes among countries.

James E. Meade was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1977, alongside Bertil Ohlin, for their pathbreaking contribution to the theory of international trade and international capital movements. Meade's theoretical studies illuminated the complex nature of economic policy measures on trade and helped shape a generation of economic research and policy-making.

The 'Collected Papers of James Meade' were published in 1988, bringing together his extensive contributions to economic theory and policy. This comprehensive collection provided insights into Meade's thought process and showcased his influence across numerous areas of economics, offering invaluable resources for scholars and students alike.

James Meade passed away on December 22, 1995. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to economics, particularly in the areas of international trade, economic policy, and growth theory. Meade's work continues to influence economic thought and policy-making, underscoring his role as one of the leading economists of his time.