Douglas A. Irwin is one of the world’s foremost experts on international trade policy and the economic history of globalization. As the John Sloan Dickey Third Century Professor in the Social Sciences at Dartmouth College, he brings decades of scholarship and real-world insight into how trade policies have shaped national economies and global relations.
Irwin is the author of several landmark books, including Clashing over Commerce: A History of US Trade Policy, a comprehensive account of trade politics from the founding of the United States to the present, and Free Trade under Fire, which defends the economic case for open markets against rising protectionism. His work combines economic analysis, historical depth, and policy relevance, making him a go-to expert for understanding today’s trade debates.
He has served as a visiting scholar at institutions such as the Federal Reserve, IMF, and World Bank, and regularly advises governments and international organizations on trade dynamics, tariffs, and economic diplomacy. A compelling speaker, Irwin translates complex trade issues into accessible, thought-provoking presentations that connect past lessons with current challenges.