Anthem Press Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective

In this relatively short and concise text Ha-Joon Chang charts the rise of global capitalism from its beginnings up until the present day and in this discussion proceeds to give his opinion about the current plight of the poorer countries and how they can be helped out of poverty not by aid, but by trade.Dr Chang's central argument is that the trade policies the IMF, World Bank and several wealthy countries are trying to impose on poorer countries (free markets and trade, ease of entry for foreign competitors into other markets) were never properly adopted by the richer countries when they themselves were developing. In fact, Chang tells us, wealthy countries became wealthy by using protectionist strategies and high tariffs in order to protect their infant industries grow before they opened them out to external trade and competition.Dr Chang underlines the hypocrisy of international economic bodies and richer countries in the field of economic development and offers a fresh perspective on how states can provide more wealth to their citizens and become more competitive in the domain of international trade.

This is not a 'consumer' targeted book I would say rather a policy booklet. I guess it is my fault for not reading the full title. I have read Ha-Joon Chang's books before and they are very good (e.g. Bad Samaritans) but this is not a book to me rather a policy report. If you're interested in that then you should it buy it.

Everyone who wants to see a fairer world and understand how easy it could be, should read this book and others written by this Author.

Not my type of book but my Grandson requested it for sixth form lessons and finds it interesting to read

Brilliant book! I used it during my International Development Masters.