What are the main theories of economic development in International Political Economy?

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What are the main theories of economic development in International Political Economy?

There are several main theories of economic development in International Political Economy. These include:

1. Liberalism: Liberal theories emphasize the importance of free markets, open trade, and minimal government intervention in promoting economic development. They argue that countries should focus on comparative advantage and engage in international trade to benefit from specialization and efficiency gains.

2. Mercantilism: Mercantilist theories emphasize the role of the state in promoting economic development. They argue that countries should prioritize exports over imports, accumulate wealth through trade surpluses, and protect domestic industries through tariffs and subsidies.

3. Marxism: Marxist theories view economic development as a result of class struggle and exploitation. They argue that capitalism perpetuates inequality and underdevelopment, and advocate for socialist or communist systems to achieve equitable economic growth.

4. Dependency theory: Dependency theories focus on the relationship between developed and developing countries. They argue that underdevelopment in the Global South is a result of the exploitative economic and political relationships imposed by the Global North, which perpetuate dependency and hinder development.

5. Neoliberalism: Neoliberal theories build on liberal ideas but emphasize the importance of market-oriented reforms, deregulation, and privatization. They argue that economic development is best achieved through free markets and limited government intervention, promoting efficiency and innovation.

It is important to note that these theories are not mutually exclusive, and different aspects of each theory may be applicable in different contexts.