Ha-Joon Chang

Ha-Joon Chang is a South Korean economist and professor of Research in the Department of Economics at SOAS University of London. He is a prominent scholar known for his critical views on mainstream economic theories and for advocating for a more nuanced understanding of economic development, particularly in relation to developing countries. Chang has authored several influential books, including 'Kicking Away the Ladder,' where he argues against the conventional wisdom of free-market policies. He is an advocate for government intervention in the economy to foster sustainable growth, especially in areas like renewable energy and infrastructure development. Recently, he has been vocal about the negative impacts of protectionist trade policies, particularly those introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing concern over their long-term implications for the global economy.