Scott Fullwiler discusses, in a recent paper, the distinction in Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) between the ‘general’ and ‘specific’ cases. Analysis of the general case concerns a sovereign currency issuer prior to the imposition of any self-imposed constraints. Analysis of specific cases will be grounded in the particular operational realities of whatever monetary system happens to be the focus of attention. In part, Fullwiler’s paper is a response to those who question the appropriateness of giving priority, in theory, to the general case rather than specific cases.

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