Introduction to Development Economics An Alternative Approach to Growth, Sustainability and Cooperation

This textbook provides an introduction to development economics that examines both the drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. It initially presents development economics within a historical and political context, before widening its attention to theories of growth and development, the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, the imbalance of power between the Global North and South, global development policies, and the role of international finance in development. Rather than focusing primarily on neoclassical growth theories, qualitative and quantitative aspects of the development process are both highlighted.

This book aims to give readers a broad understanding of the economic drivers of development and the economic theories that underpin them. It will be relevant to undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in development economics and sustainable development.

Part I: Facts, Definitions, and Goals.- 1. People: Human Beings in Space and Time.- 2. Prosperity.- 3. From Economic Growth to Sustainability.- 4. A Changing Economic Scenario.- Part II: Theories of Economic Development and Growth.- 5. Production and Distribution of Wealth: The Founding Fathers.- 6. Solow and Swan's Growth Theory: An Already Mature Economy.- 7. Dualism, Development, Growth, and Structural Change: Arthur Lewis Comes Back.- 8. Development and Increasing Returns: The Teaching of Paul Rosenstein-Rodan and Albert Hirschman, and the Role of the Bourgeoisie.- 9. Convergence, Divergence, and Endogenous Growth: Does Globalization Work?.- 10. Keynes in the Tropics: The Importance of History and Aggregate Demand in the  Processes of Growth and Development.- 11. Macroeconomics and Structure: Mickael Kalecki's Lessons and Gap Models.- Part III: Development in the Global Economy.- 12. Trade, Finance, and the Environment in the "Center-Periphery" Models: Raul Prebish, CEPAL and Today's World.- 13. Finance and Development .- 14. Toward Human and Sustainable Development.- 15. The Road to Dignity.

Marco Missaglia is Professor of International Macroeconomics at the University of Pavia.

Gianni Vaggi is Professor of Economics and Management of Cooperation and Development at the University of Pavia.