This paper models the central theme of mercantilism in Jacob Viner's i
nterpretation-power vs plenty-in a framework of modern theory of inter
national finance. It is shown that, in the Viner model of mercantilism
, a nation with strong mercantilist sentiment ends up with large forei
gn asset accumulation and high consumption in the long run; an import
tariff leads to more foreign asset holding and more total consumption;
furthermore, in the Viner model, the Harberger-Laursen-Metzler effect
exists unambiguously: a permanent terms-of-trade deterioration causes
a current account deficit in the short run. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science
Ltd.