Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective (Anthem World History)

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.

I recommend this product to all those who want to read about the other side of the coin in the mainstream global political economy

Lucidly written, detailed and data driven,this short but important book is a must read for anyone interested in development economics,even for non-specialists. Ha -Jong Chang argues that the WTO and allied organisations,whether well intentioned or not have put developing nations in an ideological vice grip that will considerably restrict their abilities to grow and provide for their citizens. The current ideology is based around the idea of free markets, democracy and appropriate legal,financial and governmental infrastructure,based on western models. This policy slant finds considerable support from developed nations, because it suits them. Developed nations and their businesses through reduced trade barriers and eased entry into markets it is said, gain access to new markets,lower prices and assured supplies of inputs as a result. Likewise,many economists, particularly of the Libertarian hue argue that 'free trade' provides the answer to many problems - growth,incomes and employment will be higher for everyone when governments stop interfering in the operation of markets. In addition,trade promotes self -reliance,competition and efficient use of resources along side reducing dependency on aid. Ha-Joon Chang is not convinced.Chang suggests that history can teach us a lesson. That lesson is a simple one. That developed nations throughout their history have used tariffs and other restrictions to protect their industries and still do. The author provides much convincing evidence that Western European and the USA made significant use of subsidy,import controls, exploitation of colonies (especial raw materials and cheap labour) patent infringement and government support of fledgling industries to develop their industrial base. This applies also very much to that great advocate of free trade in the 19th Century, Great Britain. Britain for instance welcomed cotton supplies from its Indian colony but prohibited the development cotton manufacturing in the sub-continent. Meaning that India could never go up the value chain, with a predictable impact on the welfare of its citizens. In other words the root to development for western nations in their early years was not through the laissez-faire /free trade root advocated by today's 'Washington Agenda' advocates but through the sort of protectionist measures that they say have been and supposedly remain, so harmful. Modern evidence exists in the form of South Korea, Taiwan, China and India who post -war had varying but still significant degrees of state intervention industrial,technology and trade policy to create economies that can compete with the best. It is only when developing nations have taken on the free trade message that their growth rates have suffered.The author also makes the very wise point that western style economies have taken generations to reach their current levels of development. Therefore through wishing to impose on developing nations through structural adjustment policies forced democratisation, creation of transparent and efficient government and finance sectors is asking too much too soon. Chang suggests that desirable though 'good' governance is for example,account has to be taken of the local political situation and the attendant costs associated with too hasty reform. He argues that economic growth incentivises social, political and structural changes. Change is costly and its effects are uncertain. Only if developing nations can see the benefits of reform of particular laws, trade practices and markets as well as having the expertise and funds to implement change will they become more open to the siren calls of the WTO and what Chang calls the rest of the 'international development policy' establishment. In other words developing nations need time and the freedom to develop behind 'closed doors' . If the west were really wanting to help LDC's they would lay off giving giving the 'developing' patient medicine that they themselves would be very reluctant to take.So 'Kicking Away The ladder' is a very persuasivly written book packed with useful insights. The historical data he employs reminds us that economic development has never relied on free markets or laissez-faire policies at least in the early years. Chang's policy suggestions are both wise and workable. He is to be commended in writing such an original and readable book.