Development and underdevelopment: the history economic and politics of North- South relations
- New Delhi Sage. 1991
- 176 p.
Two major theoretical perspectives traditionally govern any discussion of the entire gamut of North-South relations. Although differing in their practical implications, both are very similar in terms of their basic theoretical framework, namely: Development is the result of the accumulation of cap ital financed, in the first case, through state mobilisation of local savings and control of external economic relations, and, in the second, through the pull of exports and the inflow of export earnings.
In this provocative book, Harmut Elsenhans discusses the shortcomings of both perspec tives and analyses the complex political and economic relations between the advanced industrial countries of the North and the developing countries of the South. He establishes the link between mass consumption and development, and criticises the world system perspective developed by some Marxist writers. The author goes on to demonstrate how the unequal specialisation and deformation of the economies of the South resulted in a specific class structure and mode of production dominated by state classes. Prof Elsenhans emphasises that whatever strategy is pursued with respect to the world market, under-development can only be overcome through internal changes within the Third World. He advocates a 'development pact' between the West and the coun tries of the South which combines commitment to social reform in the South and increased flows from the North to the South in the framework of a New International Economic Order. An important book that provides an in depth discussion of the dynamics of North South relations, the relative balance of power between the countries of the North and South, and the extent of their inter dependence. It will be valuable reading for students and others interested in the economics and history of North-South relations, development economics and international relations.