The change and development of economic theory is influenced by internal and external factors. The article deal with the influence of external factors on the economic theory after the “Great Recession” of 2008-2009. It spread mainly to macroeconomics. The problem of microdoundations of macroeconomic theory is singled out. Three phases of their development are shown before the Great Recession, and a conclusion is drawn that as a result, greater internal consistency, but less suitability for politics, is achieved. After the recession, macroeconomists split into supporters and opponents of the DSGE model. It is noted that it is unable to work in crisis situations. The further development of macroeconomics will depend on the correlation of internal and external factors. The former predominate in quiet periods and reflect the inner logic of the science itself, the latter - in crisis periods, when macroeconomists are heavily pressured by politicians and public.