Handbook of Alternative Theories of Economic Development

The Handbook of Alternative Theories of Economic Development explores the theories and approaches which, over a prolonged period of time, have existed as viable alternatives to today's mainstream and neo-classical tenets. With a total of more than 40 specially commissioned chapters, written by the foremost authorities in their respective fields, this volume represents a landmark in the field of economic development. It elucidates the richness of the alternative and sometimes misunderstood ideas which, in different historical contexts, have proved to be vital to the improvement of the human condition.
The subject matter is approached from several complementary perspectives. From a historical angle, the book tracks the mercantilist and cameralist theories emerging from the Renaissance and developed further during the Enlightenment. From a geographical angle, it includes chapters on African, Chinese, Indian, and Muslim approaches to economic development. Different schools of economic development are also explored and discussed including 19th century US development theory, Marxist, Schumpeterian, Latin American structuralism, regulation theory and world systems theories of development. In addition, the book has chapters on important developments and institutions including The League of Nations, The Havana Charter, and UNCTAD, as well as on particularly influential development economists. Current topics including the role of finance, feminism, the agrarian issue, and ecology and the environment are also covered.