political economy

noun

1. a social science dealing with political policies and economic processes, their interrelations, and their influence on social institutions.
2. (in the 17th–18th centuries) the art of management of communities, especially as affecting the wealth of a government.
3. (in the 19th century) a social science similar to modern economics but dealing chiefly with governmental policies.
4. economics ( def 1 ).

political economy

noun

1. the former name for economics

Other Words From

• political economist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of political economy¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

"Trump's economic approach has much more in common with founders era political economy because of shared protectionism and elitism," Rao said.

From Salon

"In China targets must be met, by any means necessary," said Yuen Yuen Ang, professor of political economy at Johns Hopkins University.

From BBC

It poses an existential threat to world peace because it has captured — at least partially — the political economy of the most powerful country on the planet: the United States, the modern-day military state.”

From Salon

This time, it’s clear that neither candidate is likely to reverse a decade-long hardening against China, said Ho-feng Hung, a professor of political economy at Johns Hopkins University.

From Los Angeles Times

“This created a political economy — he built close relations with capitalists who in turn backed him,” Jaffrelot said.

From Seattle Times