The Political Economy of Growth by Paul A. Baran


The Political Economy of Growth
Title : The Political Economy of Growth
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0853450765
ISBN-10 : 9780853450764
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : -
Publication : First published January 1, 1957

This classic of contemporary Marxist economics provocatively tackles a problem crucial to all economists and social scientists - the conditions for economic progress. How, in short, does a society generate and utilize its economic surplus? From this viewpoint Professor Baran, one of the authors of Monopoly Capital, analyses the economic development of both advanced and developing countries and shows that neither can be understood unless their global interdependence is taken into account. Economic development has always entailed big changes in the social and political structure of society and Professor Baran explains the present turmoil in the world as the necessary accompaniment of processes as radical as the transition from feudalism to capitalism.

The Political Economy of Growth Reviews

  • Aya Nader

    Excellent read on the evils of capitalism.

    The book discussed in detail the processes of change from a feudal to a capitalist system, how capitalists took control over states, investment opportunities and economic conditions in the capitalist system which lead to monopoly and more poverty.

    Despite the differences in conditions of the underdeveloped countries, Baran pointed out that they have in common a history of imperialist penetration , internal and external obstacles to development because of this penetration, and low per capita income and low economic development. Imperialism entered underdeveloped countries, destroying native social formations and means of development, creating lasting conditions of dependency and subordinating them to developed countries in the international division of labor.

    Baran showed the links between political, economic and social aspects before and under capitalism in both developed and backward countries.

    The author showed how irrational and unjust the capitalist system is, challenging liberal economic theorists who claim that capitalism brings "freedom" about. No one escaped Baran’s sharp criticism; that includes professors, politicians, businessmen and economists. Baran called for anti-Westernization and put Marxism theories into effect. He gave concrete solutions to social and economic change.

  • Karlo Mikhail

    An engaging study of how modern imperialism imposes underdevelopment on the Third World countries. Many of the observations remain relevant to this day. A must-read.