About the Book
This textbook presents an innovative new perspective on the economics of development, including insights from a broad range of disciplines. It starts with the current state of affairs, a discussion of data availability, reliability, and analysis, and an historic overview of the deep influence of fundamental factors on human prosperity. Next, it focuses on the role of human interaction in terms of trade, capital, and knowledge flows, as well as the associated implications for institutions, contracts, and finance. The book also highlights differences in the development paths of emerging countries in order to provide a better understanding of the concepts of development and the Millennium Development Goals. Insights from other disciplines are used help to understand human development with regard to other issues, such as inequalities, health, demography, education, and poverty. The book concludes by emphasizing the importance of connections, location, and human interaction in determining future prosperity.
Table of Contents:
Part I. Introduction and Deep Roots: 1. Economic Development Today; 2. Data and Methods; 3. Uneven Playing Field; 4. Geo-Human Interaction; Part II. Human Interaction: 5. Globalization and Development; 6. International Trade; 7. Economic Growth; 8. Institutions and Contracts; 9. Money and Finance; Part III. Human Development: 10. Poverty, Inequality, and Gender; 11. Poor Economics; 12. Population and Migration; 13. Education; 14. Health; Part IV. Connections and Interactions: 15. Agriculture and Development; 16. Urbanization and Agglomeration; 17. Geographical Economics and Development; 18. Heterogeneous and Multinational Firms; 19. Sustainability and Development.
About the Author :
Charles van Marrewijk is Professor of Economics and Head of Research at Utrecht University School of Economics. He studied, worked, and/or taught in the Netherlands, the United States, China, Australia, Russia, and the Philippines. Charles is (co-) editor for three journals and has published widely in top journals on economic development, growth, migration, trade, comparative advantage, inequality, location, foreign direct investment, urbanization, resilience, transfers, and so on. He has also published more than ten books for Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press and is probably best known for his work in geographical economics and a spiky world (with Steven Brakman and Harry Garretsen). Steven Brakman is Professor of International Economics at the faculty of Economics & Business at the university of Groningen. His main research areas are International Economics and Regional Economics. He is a research fellow of the CESifo institute in Munich, and Managing-editor of the Journal of Regional Science. He is academic partner of the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy analysis.
Review :
'This is a masterful textbook on development. It extensively discusses the root causes of development, and more recent topics such as randomized controlled trials. The book stands out by also providing a rich discussion of 'international' issues relevant for development, such as globalization, international trade, migration, and international financial flows.' Robert Lensink, University of Groningen
'A splendid new textbook by van Marrewijk and Brakman! Their lucid exposition is wide ranging, deeply informed and up to date. The student will acquire a broad knowledge of developing and emerging economies and, more importantly, understand the data, theories, and methods that inform the authors' insights.' Donald Davis, Columbia University
'This excellent new textbook on development economics is up to date in its coverage of research - history, data, and theories. It explains difficult concepts simply and clearly. The visual presentation - figures, charts, and use of color - is outstanding. It is balanced and thoughtful in its assessment of the issues and policies. A treasure for students and teachers alike.' Avinash Dixit, Princeton University
'… the textbook demonstrates some unique features that make the book stand out as a main textbook for development studies … It presents a well-researched and balanced perspective on economic development, integrating both theoretical frameworks and real-world examples. It is up to date in its coverage of research and policy discussions. Its visual presentation - figures, charts and boxes - is extremely informative and useful.' Ligang Song, Economic Record
