Theory and explanation in financial geographies: Engaging with economics strategically

Abstract

In this authors’ response, we propose what a deeper engagement of financial geographies with economics could look like in strategic terms by addressing five questions: who to engage with, which tools to use, which topics to pursue, through which fora, and for what purpose? We stress the value of dialogue with heterodox economists, business scholars, economic historians, and finance practitioners, while using quantitative methods critically to explain financial processes. We underscore the need to study historical financial systems and finance-geopolitics relations. We conclude that pluralist financial geographies need some strategic positivism to support socially responsible and geographically grounded analysis.