Development Theory and the Cold War: A Historical Analysis of Latin American Structuralism from 1930 to 1970
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Abstract
Latin America has experimented with two different development strategies over the last two centuries. First, and currently, an “outward-oriented” program based on exports of primary commodities. Alternatively, for a few years following World War II, a domestic industrialization from within strategy received support. A consensus that both models failed to achieve sustainable development in Latin America opened space for rethinking development theory and policy in the beginning of the twenty-first century. This dissertation uses an historical approach to analyze the post-WWII development theories in order to inform the new development debate. What motivated alternative theories and how were they conditioned by historical contexts? What were the consequences of accepting the policies prescription originated from these theories in Latin America? Why were alternative models and policies so short-lived? According to this dissertation the demise of development economics was due to both theoretical deficiencies and politics. To become resilient, development theory needs to build its core on historically grounded principles.
Table of Contents
History and economics: two separate sciences -- History and social change: a non-linear process -- Raul Prebische: to whom should we applaud or whistle tomorrow? -- The origins of the Cold War and creation of the UN -- The newly imagine third world: decolonization, development areas of influence -- Centre and periphery in the early Cold War: a historical analysis of development theory -- The origin of economic development debate -- Final part -- Concluding remarks -- Postscript
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Ph.D.