David Ricardo
Classical political economist (1772–1823) whose theory of comparative advantage still anchors introductory arguments for mutual gains from trade—even when countries differ in absolute productivity.
Ricardo showed how specialization along opportunity costs can raise joint output when relative efficiencies differ across goods, even if one nation is more productive in everything (in simplified two-good models). Modern trade theory adds increasing returns, firms, and global value chains, but his ghost appears in every trade debate.
He also wrote on public finance, bullion, and income distribution—classical roots for later fights about rents and taxation.
Why comparative advantage still shows up
Even complex supply chains do not erase opportunity-cost logic: states specialize unevenly, so sub-national trade statistics often reflect deeper comparative forces—not just shipping labels.