Legacy: what is a Legacy? as contribuições de Alexander Hamilton para a diplomacia econômica dos Estados Unidos

Abstract

This project examines the economic diplomacy of the United States through the contributions of Alexander Hamilton, analyzing how his financial and political strategies shaped not only the early American republic but also enduring legacies in contemporary economic policy. In today’s global landscape—marked by tensions between protectionism and multilateralism—Hamilton’s ideas gain renewed relevance, offering insights into modern challenges, from trade wars to the use of financial tools as instruments of geopolitical power. The study explores how Hamilton’s innovative management of public debt, the creation of the First Bank of the United States, and his advocacy for protective industrial policies not only stabilized the post-independence economy but also established a model of an economically active state—a counterpoint to the liberalism of his contemporaries. This approach, which linked domestic development to international influence, resonates in current debates about national economic sovereignty and the limits of globalization. Beyond historical analysis, this research demonstrates how Hamiltonian principles—such as viewing debt as a growth tool and emphasizing strategic self-sufficiency—continue to influence U.S. economic diplomacy in a transforming world. By connecting 18th-century ideas to 21st-century challenges, the study illuminates the roots of contemporary practices, from economic sanctions to struggles for technological dominance, revealing why Hamilton’s legacy remains key to understanding today’s global governance dilemmas