David Ricardo
The Ricardian model of comparative advantage has been challenged by, among others, Joan Robinson and Piero Sraffa.  Nevertheless, it remains the cornerstone of the argument in favour of international free trade as a means of increasing economic prosperity.  The theory of comparative advantage was the forerunner of the push towards globalization via increased international trade, the guiding theme in economic policy currently promoted by the OECD and the World Trade Organization.