Reclaiming Development: An Alternative Economic Policy Manual (Global Issues)

Ha-Joon Chang; Ilene Grabel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1842772007 ISBN 13: 9781842772003

Publisher: Zed Books, 2004

After half a century of disappointed hopes, where do developing countries go from here? Two economists refute some of the main myths of free market globalization in trenchant fashion. History does not show that the free market is the best path to prosperity. It is not true that globalization is simply a technological reality that cannot be stopped. The US economy has not outperformed its competitors in the 1990s. East Asia's success does indeed have lessons which other countries can emulate. Developing countries do not need economic policemen in the shape of the World Bank or IMF or WTO. Most important of all, in each key area -- trade and industrial policy, privatization, intellectual property rights, investment and financial policies, exchange rate and currency policy, labour and social welfare -- there are alternatives to neoliberal policies that the historical experience of particular countries has shown really work.

Product Description:

There is no alternative - to neo-liberal economics, Americanisation and globalisation - remains the driving assumption within the international development policy establishment. Ha-Joon Chang and Ilene Grabel explain the main assertions of this dominant school. They combine data, a devastating economic logic, and an analysis of the historical experiences of leading Western and East Asian economies, to question the validity of the neo-liberal development model. They then set out practical alternatives in the key areas: trade and industrial policy; privatisation; intellectual property rights; external borrowing; investment; financial regulation; exchange rates, monetary policy, government revenue and expenditure. The most useful proposals that have emerged around the world are combined with some innovative measures of their own, in an empowering and accessible book.

Review:

'This unusually well-written, direct and succinct book describes neo-liberal positions fairly; offers theoretically rigorous and empirically accurate critiques; and describes feasible, practical alternative policies that take realistic account of political, economic and financial constraints. Discussion of financial, monetary, fiscal, trade and industry policy and intellectual property rights is especially strong and constructive and makes important innovative contributions. It is a fine, carefully analytical achievement which would contribute to hastening both efficient and socially just development wherever the insights are appropriately used.' - John Langmore, Representative of the ILO to the UN 'Chang and Grabel demolish the myths (or fabrications) underlying neo-liberal views about economic development and provide succinct, constructive suggestions for policies regarding trade and industry, privatization and intellectual property rights, private capital movements, financial regulation, and macroeconomics. Reclaiming Development is a manifesto that should be on the shelves of policy-makers, academics, and students worldwide.' - Lance Taylor, Arnhold Professor, New School University, and author of Reconstructing Macroeconomics 'A growing number of developing countries are taking back control over economic policy from the IMF and the World Bank. The wide range of policy suggestions contained in this book provides a rich mine of concrete and practicable alternatives from which to choose in taking advantage of whatever room globalization still allows developing countries and reshaping economic policy in their own interests.' - Martin Khor, Director, Third World Network 'This book is not only a superb antidote to the numbing myths of neoliberalism but also a cogent and stimulating presentation of the many possibilities for alternatives to neo-liberal economic policy that both theory and history provide policy-makers and students of development.' - Thandika Mkandawire, Director, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) 'The dominant neo-liberal economic doctrine asserts that there is no alternative to its policy prescriptions which provide the foundations for success in an age of globalization. This book questions and refutes the belief system implicit in the assertion. It does so in a manner that is highly iconoclastic. Yet, it is solidly grounded in economic theory and empirical evidence, both historical and contemporary.' - Deepak Nayyar, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi 'The alternatives offered in this book make established wisdom turn cartwheels...Those in the higher echelons of power would have much to learn from a thorough read of a book such as this.' - Nina Gera, Dawn