The West and the Third World: Trade, Colonialism, Dependence and Development

This comprehensive survey of the nature of the relationship between the Western countries and the Third World, and the debate over its effects, during the twentieth century matches development theory with wide–ranging evidence on the consequences of global integration. The book is divided into four parts. The first section surveys the debate that began in the eighteenth century over the question of whether Third World countries benefited or suffered from gradual integration into a single world economic system. The book examines the position adopted by "optimists" from Adam Smith to the World Bank, and that of "pessimists" from early critics of colonialism to present–day dependency theorists. Parts Two and Three concentrate on the nature and effects of colonialism before the 1960s. Part Four concentrates on the post–colonial era. The author examines the importance of major post–World War II developments – aid and investment – for Third World countries and provides case studies to demonstrate their effects in Africa, South, South–East and East Asia. The book offers a stimulating introduction for all students of the economic and political relationship between the West and the Third World in the modern era.

Introduction. Part I: The Debate over an Integrated World System: . 1. The Optimists. 2. The Pessimists. Part II: Instruments of Empire: . 3. Imperial Government and the Development Imperative. 4. Imperial Economies and Third World Development. Part III: Trade, Colonialism and Development: . 5. Trade and Development in the Settler Societies. 6. The Concept of a Colonial Economy. 7. The Colonial Economy in Practice: Trade and Development in India and Ghana. Part IV: After Colonialism: The New International System: . 8. Aid and Development. 9. The Multinational Corporation and Development. 10. Trade and Development after 1950: Black Africa and India. 11. Trade and Development after 1950: East and South–East Asia. 12. Some Conclusions. Select Bibliography.

" The West and the Third World will be enjoyed by a wide audience. Richly flavoured with comparative insights, this book will appeal to specialists and students alike." English Historical Review <!––end––> "This is an impressive and useful work, providing historical perspective for crucial contemporary issues of economic development in the Third World." The Historian "This is a large project requiring deep understanding of the way in which the world economy has evolved and of the changing political relations between Europe, America and the rest of the world. Indeed, it is difficult to think of anyone better qualified for this task than Fieldhouse; and the result is a book of great authority ... The book is also written clearly and can be easily followed by the non–expert." History "Recommended for general readers; lower division undergraduate through beginning graduate students." Choice "An interesting introduction for students from a range of disciplines interested in the relations between different world regions." Progress in Development Studies