Political economy Books

Book SynopsisThis authoritative collection brings together 100 key articles on the subject of the welfare state selected by one of the world's leading experts. The first volume discusses the economic theory and related matters which underpin analysis of the welfare state. Volume II is about income transfers, especially social security benefits and poverty relief. Volume III looks at benefits in kind, particularly health care and education.This important work provides an analytical background to the subject whilst illustrating the vast array of literature available. It will be invaluable to students and professionals alike.Table of ContentsContents Volume I: Theory Acknowledgements Introduction Nicholas Barr PART I SETTING THE SCENE 1. Howard Glennerster (1995), ‘The Life Cycle: Public or Private Concern?’ 2. Gøsta Esping-Andersen (1996), excerpt from ‘After the Golden Age? Welfare State Dilemmas in a Global Economy’ 3. Nicholas Barr (1992), ‘Economic Theory and the Welfare State: A Survey and Interpretation’ PART II POLITICAL AND ETHICAL PERSPECTIVES 4. Lionel Robbins (1938), ‘Interpersonal Comparisons of Utility: A Comment’ 5. Amartya Sen (1970), ‘The Impossibility of a Paretian Liberal’ 6. Samuel Brittan (1995), ‘Choice and Utility’ 7. Samuel Gorovitz (1975), ‘John Rawls: A Theory of Justice’ 8. F.A. Hayek (1976), excerpt from ‘"Social" or Distributive Justice’ 9. Julian Le Grand (1984), ‘Equity as an Economic Objective’ 10. Amartya Sen (1984), ‘Ethical Issues in Income Distribution: National and International’ PART III ACHIEVING EFFICIENCY: THE ROLE OF MARKETS A Market Success 11. Arthur M. Okun (1975), ‘The Case for the Market’ B Market Failure 12. Bruce C. Greenwald and Joseph E. Stiglitz (1986), ‘Externalities in Economies with Imperfect Information and Incomplete Markets’ 13. Kenneth J. Arrow (1963), ‘Uncertainty and the Welfare Economics of Medical Care’ 14. George A. Akerlof (1970), ‘The Market for "Lemons": Quality, Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism’ 15. Mark V. Pauly (1974), ‘Overinsurance and Public Provision of Insurance: The Roles of Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection’ 16. Michael Rothschild and Joseph Stiglitz (1976), ‘Equilibrium in Competitive Insurance Markets: An Essay on the Economics of Imperfect Information’ 17. Joseph E. Stiglitz (1983), ‘Risk, Incentives and Insurance: The Pure Theory of Moral Hazard’ 18. Assar Lindbeck (1997), ‘Incentives and Social Norms in Household Behavior’ C Public Choice and Government Failure 19. Dennis C. Mueller (1997), ‘Public Choice in Perspective’ 20. James M. Buchanan (1962), ‘The Relevance of Pareto Optimality’ 21. Patrick Dunleavy (1985), ‘Bureaucrats, Budgets and the Growth of the State: Reconstructing an Instrumental Model’ 22. Julian Le Grand (1991), ‘The Theory of Government Failure’ PART IV POVERTY AND INEQUALITY: CONCEPTUAL ISSUES A Poverty 23. A.B. Atkinson (1989), ‘How Should We Measure Poverty? Some Conceptual Issues’ 24. Amartya Sen (1976), ‘Poverty: An Ordinal Approach to Measurement’ 25. Anthony F. Shorrocks (1995), ‘Revisiting the Sen Poverty Index’ 26. A.B. Atkinson (1987), ‘On the Measurement of Poverty’ 27. Meghnad Desai (1984), ‘A General Theory of Poverty? A Review Article’ B Income Inequality 28. Jan Pen (1971), ‘A Parade of Dwarfs (and a few Giants)’, excerpt from ‘Some Facts to be Explained’ 29. Peter Wiles (1974), excerpt from ‘The Distribution of Wages per Earner and of Income per Head in the U.S.S.R.’ 30. Arthur M. Okun (1975), ‘The Leaky-Bucket Experiment’ and ‘Inspecting the Leakages’ 31. A.B. Atkinson (1980), ‘On the Measurement of Inequality’ C Other Dimensions of Inequality 32. Richard Vaughan (1988), ‘Distributional Aspects of the Life Cycle Theory of Saving’ 33. Edwin Cannan (1928), ‘Inequality Between the Sexes’ 34. P.F. Apps and R. Rees (1996), ‘Labour Supply, Household Production and Intra-family Welfare Distribution’ 35. Jane Lewis (1992), ‘Gender and the Development of Welfare Regimes’ Name Index Volume II: Income Transfers Acknowledgements An introduction by the editor to all three volumes appears in Volume I PART I CONSUMPTION SMOOTHING AND INSURANCE A Social Insurance 1. A.B. Atkinson (1989), ‘Social Insurance and Income Maintenance’ 2. Samuel Brittan (1995), ‘Basic Income and the Welfare State’ 3. Jane Falkingham and John Hills (1995), ‘Redistribution Between People or Across the Life Cycle?’ B The Economics of Pensions 4. Paul A. Samuelson (1958), ‘An Exact Consumption-Loan Model of Interest With or Without the Social Contrivance of Money’ 5. Henry Aaron (1966), ‘The Social Insurance Paradox’ 6. Nicholas A. Barr (1979), ‘Myths My Grandpa Taught Me’ 7. Lawrence H. Thompson (1998), ‘Overview and Summary’ 8. P.A. Diamond (1977), ‘A Framework for Social Security Analysis’ C The Debate Over Pension Reform 9. Jonathan Gruber and David Wise (1998), ‘Social Security and Retirement: An International Comparison’ 10. Zvi Bodie, Alan J. Marcus and Robert C. Merton (1988), ‘Defined Benefit versus Defined Contribution Pension Plans: What Are the Real Trade-offs?’ 11. Peter A. Diamond (1998), ‘The Economics of Social Security Reform’ 12. Henry J. Aaron and Robert D. Reischauer (1998), ‘The Case for Preserving Social Security: How Should It Be Done?’ 13. Martin Feldstein (1996), ‘The Missing Piece in Policy Analysis: Social Security Reform’ 14. Peter A. Diamond (1996), ‘An Economist’s Perspective’, excerpt from ‘Social Security Reform in Chile: Two Views’ PART II POVERTY RELIEF, DISTRIBUTION AND REDISTRIBUTION A Targeting 15. Burton A. Weisbrod (1969), ‘Collective Action and the Distribution of Income: A Conceptual Approach’ 16. George A. Akerlof (1978), ‘The Economics of "Tagging" as Applied to the Optimal Income Tax, Welfare Programs, and Manpower Planning’ 17. Timothy Besley and Ravi Kanbur (1993), ‘The Principles of Targeting’ 18. Nicholas Stern (1982), ‘Optimum Taxation with Errors in Administration’ 19. Albert L. Nichols and Richard J. Zeckhauser (1982), ‘Targeting Transfers through Restrictions on Recipients’ B Measuring Income Poverty 20. Alan Gillie (1996), ‘The Origin of the Poverty Line’ 21. Martin Ravallion (1996), ‘Issues in Measuring and Modelling Poverty’ 22. Shubham Chaudhuri and Martin Ravallion (1994), ‘How Well Do Static Indicators Identify the Chronically Poor’ 23. Peter Gottschalk (1997), ‘Inequality, Income Growth and Mobility: The Basic Facts’ 24. W. Beckerman (1979), ‘The Impact of Income Maintenance Payments on Poverty in Britain, 1975’ C Measuring Inequality 25. A.B. Atkinson (1997), ‘Bringing Income Distribution in from the Cold’ 26. A.B. Atkinson, Lee Rainwater and Tim Smeeding (1995), ‘Income Distribution in European Countries’ 27. Peter Gottschalk and Timothy M. Smeeding (1997), ‘Cross-National Comparisons of Earnings and Income Inequality’ 28. Edward N. Wolff (1996), ‘International Comparisons of Wealth Inequality’ D Charity 29. Robert Sugden (1982), ‘On the Economics of Philanthropy’ 30. James Andreoni (1990), ‘Impure Altruism and Donations to Public Goods: A Theory of Warm-glow Giving’ 31. Richard M. Titmuss (1970), excerpt from ‘Who is My Stranger?’ 32. Julian Le Grand (1997), ‘Afterword’ Name Index Volume III: Benefits in Kind Acknowledgements An introduction by the editor to all three volumes appears in Volume I PART I HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE A Health 1. Robert G. Evans (1996), ‘Health, Hierarchy and Hominids – Biological Correlates of the Socioeconomic Gradient in Health’ 2. Richard Wilkinson (1996), ‘The Social Economy of Health’ 3. Judith Shapiro (1995), ‘The Russian Mortality Crisis and Its Causes’ 4. Julian Le Grand (1987), ‘Inequalities in Health: Some International Comparisons’ 5. John Broome (1978), ‘Trying to Value a Life’ James M. Buchanan and Roger L. Faith (1979), ‘Trying Again to Value a Life’ M.W. Jones-Lee (1979), ‘Trying to Value a Life: Why Broome Does Not Sweep Clean’ Alan Williams (1979), ‘A Note on ‘Trying to Value a Life’’ John Broome (1979), ‘Trying to Value a Life: A Reply’ B The Economics of Health Care 6. Henry Aaron (1981), ‘Economic Aspects of the Role of Government in Health Care’ 7. Julian Le Grand (1996), ‘Equity, Efficiency and Rationing of Health Care’ 8. Robert G. Evans (1974), ‘Supplier-Induced Demand: Some Empirical Evidence and Implications’ C Allocating Health Care Resources Efficiently 9. Victor R. Fuchs (1996), ‘Economics, Values, and Health Care Reform’ 10. Howard Glennerster and Julian Le Grand (1995), ‘The Development of Quasi-Markets in Welfare Provision in the United Kingdom’ 11. Alan Williams (1985), ‘Economics of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting’ 12. Bernie J. O’Brien, Martin J. Buxton and Brian A. Ferguson (1987), ‘Measuring the Effectiveness of Heart Transplant Programmes: Quality of Life Data and Their Relationship to Survival Analysis’ 13. Michael Parsonage and Henry Neuburger (1992), ‘Discounting and Health Benefits’ D The Distribution of Health Care 14. A.J. Culyer and Adam Wagstaff (1993), ‘Equity and Equality in Health and Health Care’ 15. Eddy van Doorslaer, Adam Wagstaff et al (1992), ‘Equity in the Delivery of Health Care: Some International Comparisons’ 16. Adam Wagstaff, Eddy van Doorslaer et al (1992), ‘Equity in the Finance of Health Care: Some International Comparisons’ PART II EDUCATION A The Economics of Education 17. Mark Blaug (1976), ‘The Empirical Status of Human Capital Theory: A Slightly Jaundiced Survey’ 18. Mark Blaug (1985), ‘Where Are We Now in the Economics of Education?’ 19. Joseph E. Stiglitz (1975), ‘The Theory of "Screening", Education, and the Distribution of Income’ B School Education 20. Mark Blaug (1984), ‘Education Vouchers – It All Depends on What You Mean’ 21. Howard Glennerster (1991), ‘Quasi-markets for Education?’ 22. Dennis Epple and Richard E. Romano (1998), ‘Competition Between Private and Public Schools, Vouchers, and Peer-Group Effects’ 23. Eric A. Hanushek (1986), ‘The Economics of Schooling: Production and Efficiency in Public Schools’ 24. Eric A. Hanushek (1996), ‘Measuring Investment in Education’ 25. Christopher Jencks and Meredith Phillips (1998), ‘The Black-White Test Score Gap’ 26. Claude S. Fischer, Michael Hout, Martín Sánchez Jankowski, Samuel R. Lucas, Ann Swidler and Kim Voss (1996), excerpts from ‘Why Inequality?’, and ‘Race, Ethnicity, and Intelligence’ C Financing Higher Education 27. Nicholas Barr (1998), ‘Higher Education in Australia and Britain: What Lessons?’ 28. W. Lee Hansen and Burton A. Weisbrod (1969), ‘The Distribution of Costs and Direct Benefits of Public Higher Education: The Case of California’ 29. Milton Friedman (1962), ‘The Role of Government in Education’ 30. Howard Glennerster, Stephen Merrett and Gail Wilson (1968), ‘A Graduate Tax’ 31. Nicholas Barr (1991), ‘Income-contingent Student Loans: An Idea Whose Time has Come’ 32. Paul Grout (1983), ‘Education Finance and Imperfections in Information’ 33. Bruce Chapman (1997), ‘Conceptual Issues and the Australian Experience with Income Contingent Charges for Higher Education’ Name Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis authoritative volume brings together Vito Tanzi's pioneering work on institutions and the influence of the behavior of government officials and economic agents on economic decision-making. It focuses on the 'dark side' of economics and the influence of institutions. Issues discussed include: public sector behavior and the efficiency of policy instruments corruption, rent seeking and governmental activities the underground economy and its impact on the economy tax evasion and the effect of globalization on tax systems money laundering and the international financial system fiscal deficits during the transition the dangers of fiscal decentralization determinants of income distribution. Trade Review'Policies, Institutions and the Dark Side of Economics is very readable, very informative, and very well-organized. It is a road map for the area around "the dark side of economics". Tanzi's book deals with remarkably fruitful ideas and demonstrates impressively the relevance of institutions and personal incentives.' -- Benno Torgler, Public Choice'. . . fine collection of essays that matter for researchers in economics, political science, public administration, and public policy.'– J.L. Mikesell, ChoiceTable of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Toward a Positive Theory of Public Sector Behavior: An Interpretation of Some Italian Contributions 2. The Changing Role of the State in the Economy: A Historical Perspective 3. Government Role and the Efficiency of Policy Instruments 4. Fundamental Determinants of Inequality and the Role of Government 5. Modernization, Ethics and Public Policy 6. Corruption, Governmental Activities and Markets 7. Corruption Around the World 8. Corruption and the Budget: Problems and Solutions 9. Corruption, Public Investment and Growth 10. A Primer on Tax Evasion 11. Money Laundering and the International Financial System 12. The Underground Economy and the Unemployment Rate 13. International Dimensions of National Tax Policy 14. Fiscal Federalism and Decentralization: A Review of Some Efficiency and Macroeconomic Aspects 15. The Budget Deficit in Transition: A Cautionary Note Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisSince 1986 Laos has been engaged in radical reform designed to transform its repressed socialist economy into a market economy open to international trade and investment.The Economics of Transition in Laos analyses the successes and failures of economic transition in the context of the institutional and political constraints faced by the reform process. It focuses on the change from a socialist economic system to a market-orientated system, and the transfer from subsistence to market agriculture. Special attention is given to the integration of Laos into the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The author shows that this integration into ASEAN is likely to be an important determining factor in the transformation of Laos into a successful market economy.This authoritative book, the first of its kind, will prove essential reading to social scientists concerned with Southeast Asia, transition or development issues, and to all those interested in contemporary Indochina.Trade Review'This book provides the reader with an intelligent and clear overview of the Lao economy in the past 20 years, and is the only book I know of dedicated to purely economic questions.' -- Grant Evans, Journal of Agrarian Change'. . . Bourdet's work is a most useful and scholarly addition to the literature on Laos.'– Paul Reddicliffe, Asian AffairsTable of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Introduction 2. Reforming Laos’ Economic System: The First Venture 1986–1990 3. Rural Reforms and Agricultural Productivity 4. Macroeconomic Evaluation of Laos’ Transition Mix 5. Fiscal Policy in Transition 6. Labour Market Adjustment 7. The Regional Dimension References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume offers a thorough empirical analysis of the experiences of the left-wing parties in post-communist states and assesses their prospects for the future.The volume examines the fortunes of the political left in selected post-communist countries: Russia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Romania. Regardless of their individual experiences, they all face similar challenges relating to their authoritarian past. These challenges include building a civil society and combating an under-developed party system and a mercurial electorate, combined with the political and social pressures associated with the transformation to a market economy. Six country studies all address how the left-wing parties have returned to the political stage and discuss their prospects for the future. The volume finds that the left has been a resilient, and generally underestimated, force in post-communist states aided by a unique combination of history, geography, commerce and social/cultural values.This book will be of interest to students and scholars as well as policy practitioners with responsibility for post-communist regions.Table of ContentsContents: Preface: Defining the Left 1. The Return of the Left: Causes and Consequences 2. The Russian Left in Transition 3. Lithuania Beyond the Return of the Left 4. Left Politics in Post-communist Hungary 5. Young, Westernized, Moderate: The Polish Left after Communism 6. The Left in Slovenia 7. From Red Star to Roses: The Left in Post-communist Romania 8. Understanding the Left and Its Future Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisComparative Public Policy provides the first truly systematic and comprehensive account of the transformation of the post-war state in the advanced countries of the Western world. The author generates new research findings which show how the economic, social and political changes of the post-war era have reshaped modern public policy across the OECD region.Francis G. Castles examines the growth of big government and the emergence of the modern welfare state and identifies ways in which the role of the state has impacted on labour markets and such personal issues as home ownership, fertility and divorce. He explains why the trajectory of policy transformation has varied from country to country, with immediate post-war policy laggards sometimes becoming leaders, and erstwhile policy pioneers on occasions stagnating. This innovative book presents a wealth of background data and a huge range of new findings, covering 12 policy areas in 21 advanced industrialized countries over a period of more than three decades. Comparative Public Policy is essential reading for students and scholars who wish to understand the dynamics of contemporary social and political development.Trade Review'Castles's book is an important contribution to comparative public policy, offering significant insight into policy areas over time and countries and providing a key source for any analysis of public policy.' -- Martin Lodge, West European Politics'This is a magisterial study by one of the leading international specialists in public policy research. . . . This is a compelling and convincing analysis and in its combination of scope, ambition and rigor is currently unchallenged. It is succinct, concise and undeviating from its central explanatory thesis. . . . it should be compulsory reading for professors.' -- Martin Rhodes, American Political Science Review'Castles's work is accessible and provides much data regarding public policy after World War II.' -- Jim F. Couch, E.H. Net'. . . a comprehensive, well organized work. . . . Castles's book is a comprehensive analysis of recent social processes.' -- Ian Gough and Meir Shabat, Journal of European Social Policy'. . . this book will serve as an extremely valuable source and guide for anybody interested in comparative public policy development between 1950 and the mid 1990s in OECD countries. . . . The ability to discuss the subject matter and argue his case within the space of 350 rather than 1,000 pages pays tribute to the author's considerable grasp of the material and concise presentation and discussion of data and analysis.' -- Jochen Clasen, European Journal of Social Work'. . . the author has achieved his goal of capturing the large picture of economic transformation and public policy in Western capitalism, post World War II. This book poses problems for all kinds of theories. Castles has simplified our empirical world while questioning our theoretical maps. The tables that at first sight appear off-putting have the compelling fascination of a Guinness Book of Records for grown ups. Not the least of its attractions is that it is an interesting read.' -- Grant Jordan, Political Studies'This innovative book presents a wealth of background data and a huge range of findings. This is a most scholarly text.' -- Economic Outlook and Business Review'Castles is one of the most prolific and innovative writers on welfare states and public policy and, once again, he does not disappoint. This book fills a huge vacuum in existing student texts. With great lucidity and tremendous reach, this book gives us a comparative, historical and cross-disciplinary panorama of postwar era public sector growth and, now, crisis. Few, if any, existing texts manage so well to present the leading questions, debates and the evidence so succinctly. It is bound to become a leading text for upper level students everywhere.' -- Gosta Esping-Andersen, University of Trento, Italy'Castles has written an accessible and comprehensive analysis of the evolution of public policy in the industrialized world since 1945. All students of comparative public policy will want to have this book close at hand as a ready guide and a source of superb statistical data to a complicated and fascinating set of policy issues.' -- Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell University, US'Not the least of this book's many accomplishments is its contribution to our intellectual hygiene. Castles does a real public service by dispelling many myths, held by academics and neoliberal ideologues alike, about the role of 'big government' in advanced societies.' -- Claus Offe, Humboldt University, Germany'Frank Castles has written a book that should be read by anyone interested in comparative public policy, and comparative politics more generally. It is a rare combination of analytic rigor and descriptive richness. It covers a broad sweep of countries, policy areas, and time, and sets a standard for books in public policy.' -- B. Guy Peters, University of Pittsburgh, USTable of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Making Sense of Post-war Public Policy 2. Economy and Society 3. Institutions and Ideology 4. The Causes of Big Government 5. The Welfare State 6. The State and the Labour Market 7. Public Policy and the Personal 8. Patterns of Post-war Public Policy References

Read more less

Book SynopsisComparative Public Policy provides the first truly systematic and comprehensive account of the transformation of the post-war state in the advanced countries of the Western world. The author generates new research findings which show how the economic, social and political changes of the post-war era have reshaped modern public policy across the OECD region.Francis G. Castles examines the growth of big government and the emergence of the modern welfare state and identifies ways in which the role of the state has impacted on labour markets and such personal issues as home ownership, fertility and divorce. He explains why the trajectory of policy transformation has varied from country to country, with immediate post-war policy laggards sometimes becoming leaders, and erstwhile policy pioneers on occasions stagnating. This innovative book presents a wealth of background data and a huge range of new findings, covering 12 policy areas in 21 advanced industrialized countries over a period of more than three decades. Comparative Public Policy is essential reading for students and scholars who wish to understand the dynamics of contemporary social and political development.Trade Review'Castles's book is an important contribution to comparative public policy, offering significant insight into policy areas over time and countries and providing a key source for any analysis of public policy.' -- Martin Lodge, West European Politics'This is a magisterial study by one of the leading international specialists in public policy research. . . . This is a compelling and convincing analysis and in its combination of scope, ambition and rigor is currently unchallenged. It is succinct, concise and undeviating from its central explanatory thesis. . . . it should be compulsory reading for professors.' -- Martin Rhodes, American Political Science Review'Castles's work is accessible and provides much data regarding public policy after World War II.' -- Jim F. Couch, E.H. Net'. . . a comprehensive, well organized work. . . . Castles's book is a comprehensive analysis of recent social processes.' -- Ian Gough and Meir Shabat, Journal of European Social Policy'. . . this book will serve as an extremely valuable source and guide for anybody interested in comparative public policy development between 1950 and the mid 1990s in OECD countries. . . . The ability to discuss the subject matter and argue his case within the space of 350 rather than 1,000 pages pays tribute to the author's considerable grasp of the material and concise presentation and discussion of data and analysis.' -- Jochen Clasen, European Journal of Social Work'. . . the author has achieved his goal of capturing the large picture of economic transformation and public policy in Western capitalism, post World War II. This book poses problems for all kinds of theories. Castles has simplified our empirical world while questioning our theoretical maps. The tables that at first sight appear off-putting have the compelling fascination of a Guinness Book of Records for grown ups. Not the least of its attractions is that it is an interesting read.' -- Grant Jordan, Political Studies'This innovative book presents a wealth of background data and a huge range of findings. This is a most scholarly text.' -- Economic Outlook and Business Review'Castles is one of the most prolific and innovative writers on welfare states and public policy and, once again, he does not disappoint. This book fills a huge vacuum in existing student texts. With great lucidity and tremendous reach, this book gives us a comparative, historical and cross-disciplinary panorama of postwar era public sector growth and, now, crisis. Few, if any, existing texts manage so well to present the leading questions, debates and the evidence so succinctly. It is bound to become a leading text for upper level students everywhere.' -- Gosta Esping-Andersen, University of Trento, Italy'Castles has written an accessible and comprehensive analysis of the evolution of public policy in the industrialized world since 1945. All students of comparative public policy will want to have this book close at hand as a ready guide and a source of superb statistical data to a complicated and fascinating set of policy issues.' -- Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell University, US'Not the least of this book's many accomplishments is its contribution to our intellectual hygiene. Castles does a real public service by dispelling many myths, held by academics and neoliberal ideologues alike, about the role of 'big government' in advanced societies.' -- Claus Offe, Humboldt University, Germany'Frank Castles has written a book that should be read by anyone interested in comparative public policy, and comparative politics more generally. It is a rare combination of analytic rigor and descriptive richness. It covers a broad sweep of countries, policy areas, and time, and sets a standard for books in public policy.' -- B. Guy Peters, University of Pittsburgh, USTable of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Making Sense of Post-war Public Policy 2. Economy and Society 3. Institutions and Ideology 4. The Causes of Big Government 5. The Welfare State 6. The State and the Labour Market 7. Public Policy and the Personal 8. Patterns of Post-war Public Policy References

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Russian labour market has been hailed by some economists as being 'perfectly flexible' because Russia has achieved enormous employment restructuring with minimal unemployment, and by others as plagued by rigidities since pay structures have been frozen, inequality has increased and job creation has been negligible. Such disagreements reflect both the lack of serious research on the formation of a labour market in Russia and the lack of theoretical agreement as to what constitutes a labour market.Simon Clarke addresses these empirical and theoretical issues on the basis of statistical survey and case study data collected within the framework of a large-scale collaborative research programme on the restructuring of labour and employment in Russia. The book reviews the historical context, the statistical data and the theoretical issues before proceeding to a detailed analysis of the development of the labour market in the interaction of the labour market strategies of employers and employees.The Formation of a Labour Market in Russia will be of interest to scholars of transition studies and labour economics, industrial relations specialists and sociologists of labour.Trade Review'Rich in documentation and precise in analysis. . . this volume will. . . engage the labour specialist and inform the interested Russian generalist as well.' -- Walter D. Connor, Slavic ReviewTable of ContentsContents: 1. The Formation of a Labour Market in Russia? 2. The Russian Labour Market 3. Management Employment Strategy 4. The Motivation of Workers and the Russian Labour Market 5. Labour Market Behaviour: How do People Get Their Jobs? 6. Appendix: Sources of Data on Income and Employment References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this ground-breaking book, leading commentators on the Japanese economy analyse both the immediate and deep-seated causes that make a sustained economic recovery in Japan problematic. They debate the deep-rooted structural causes of Japan's decline and assess Japan's faltering financial system before prescribing policies to abate the continuing crisis.Starting with Japan's unanticipated economic collapse in the 1990s, the volume's contributors try to fathom the way forward for a seemingly catatonic economy. The first section deals with the entrenched structural causes of Japan's economic decline and demonstrates why sustained recovery is likely to be difficult. The second section tackles a more immediate difficulty impeding economic recovery - Japan's nearly bankrupt financial system - and discusses how regulators and politicians both helped to cause and can possibly combat this problem. All contributors agree that measures must be taken to ensure the synchronization of political, institutional and cultural structures to guarantee Japan's successful recovery. They are unable to agree on which measures will be effective and feasible. This highly insightful and accessible volume will be of interest to scholars of Japanese studies, financial economics and international economics as well as anyone with an interest in the current Japanese crisis.Trade Review'. . . interesting, informative, and worthwhile reading. This reviewer recommends the book for anyone interested in understanding what happened to Japan in the 1990s.' -- Thomas F. Cargill, Journal of Economic Literature'. . . the publication of Why Did Japan Stumble? . . . is very welcome. In a single location, the reader can sample a wide variety of conflicting explanations, some of them by very influential Japanese thinkers. . . . Those interested in the state of debate among top rank participants would do well to include this book on their reading list.' -- Richard Katz, Journal of Japanese StudiesTable of ContentsContents: 1. The Catatonic Economy Part I: Future Directions 2. Why do I Expect Japan to Collapse? 3. Declining Population, the Size of the Government and the Burden of Public Debt: Some Economic Policy Issues in Japan 4. Japan’s Business Culture and Society Part II: Current Problems 5. Why has the Japanese Economy been Stumbling for so Long? 6. Empirical Determinants of Banking Crises: Japan’s Experience in International Perspective 7. Crisis? What Crisis? The Policy Response to Japan’s Banking Crisis Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisRegionalism in the Asia-Pacific is a complex, diverse, highly contested and still rapidly evolving phenomenon. Crucial to an understanding of this phenomenon is the relationship between globalization and regionalization, between states, markets and civil society, and between US hegemony and Asian aspirations. This volume, the sequel to States, Markets and Civil Society in Asia Pacific, makes these interacting relationships the centrepiece of its analysis. It examines the multiple attempts at institutional innovation, especially over the last twenty years, by placing them in their geo-political, geo-economic and cultural contexts. ASEAN, the ASEAN Regional Forum, APEC, ASEAN+3, ASEM, sub-regional economic zones, KEDO, CSCAP and other organizations are surveyed not as ends in themselves but for what they tell us of shifting political, economic and normative trends in Asia-Pacific and beyond.Comparing and contrasting the roles of great and middle powers, of state and non-state actors, and of governmental and non-governmental regional organizations, this book will appeal to scholars with an interest in the political economy of the Asia-Pacific region, international relations, and regional and global governance. Regionalism in the New Pacific Order will be invaluable to policymakers, diplomats, business analysts, journalists, NGO representatives, and researchers with a stake in the future development of the Asia-Pacific region.Trade Review'. . . it is hard to think of a better or more comprehensive general introduction to what is still likely to prove to be the most important region in the world. . . the two volumes are likely to set an imposing benchmark for similar studies for some time to come.' -- Mark Beeson, Labour and Industry'. . . this sequel to States, Markets and Civil Society in Asia Pacific can be distinguished from most of its competitors by its conceptual richness, analytical depth and empirical informativeness. Its comprehensive coverage of fields including economics, politics, regional security and socio-cultural interactions, its long time frame - which Camilleri calls "evolutionary perspective" - and the wide range of regional and subregional settings it examines, including the Asia-Pacific (through APEC) and Southeast Asia (through ASEAN), set this volume apart in the literature.' -- Takashi Terada, Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies'The book is remarkable in both breadth and depth. It is an invaluable contribution to our understanding of regionalism in the Asia-Pacific region. . . it is essential to understanding regionalism, especially because globalization itself has been under various challenges.' -- Jian Yang, New Zealand International Review'It is an intellectual tour-de-force for which Joe must be very proud and we must be very grateful. It provides us with the benchmark for auditing current and prospective developments with respect to regional security cooperation, for assessing the relative strengths of the contradictory dynamics and understanding the processes which resolve this tension in the production of responses and outcomes, and ultimately for confirming the veracity of alternative reconstructions and the analytical power and perspicacity of their respective architects.' -- Desmond Ball, Australian National University, Australia'In the face of international developments, globalization in particular, regionalism has become increasingly important in world politics and has re-emerged once again in academic interest. Yet there is still much confusion about what regionalism means and what it implies. This is especially so about Asian regionalism. Joseph Camilleri's truly magisterial study of the political economy of regionalism in Asia deals systematically and comprehensively with Asian regionalism in its various forms and shifting dimensions and argues logically and clearly its conclusions. Reflecting the author's depth of scholarship, it will remain for a long time an essential reference on regionalism in Asia but it also offers critical lessons for the study of regionalism elsewhere in the world.'Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Conceptualizing Region and Regionalism 2. Asia-Pacific as Region 3. Regionalism in the Era of Bipolarity 4. ASEAN: Transition to the New Regionalism 5. Multilateral Responses to Competitive Interdependence 6. Limits of the New Regionalism 7. ASEAN: The Challenges of Adaptation 8. Multilateralism by Other Means 9. Clash or Dialogue of Civilizations? State and Civil Society 10. Comprehensive Security: An Emerging Architecture for Asia Pacific Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe second edition of this widely acclaimed book considers the extent to which the Baltic states have succeeded politically and economically in their aspirations to emulate Western institutions since independence. The book has been completely revised since the first edition to account for the rapid changes in the countries themselves, and in the theories that attempt to generalize the patterns of development in post-communist countries.The Baltic States after Independence, Second Edition provides a thorough analysis of the political and economic systems of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It sheds new light on the processes and obstacles which have characterized the Baltic transition from the Soviet system. The authors examine the history of these countries and the movements towards democracy, institutional change and economic development during the post-communist era. In addition, they analyse other issues including national identity, security and Western integration, and have included a new chapter on international relations, reflecting the changing issues faced by the Baltic states.This book offers a unique insight into political, economic and social life in the three independent Baltic states which will be welcomed by academics and students working in the areas of political science, economic development and transition studies.Trade Review'The Baltic States After Independence is an excellent and informative account of how the Baltic republics have failed. . . . This excellent book is indispensable for any scholar studying the former Soviet Union. Although this book will be a definitive reference for transition scholars, it deserves a wider audience. I would encourage every economics major to read it, or at least parts of it. Too often the economics curriculum, tainted by orthodoxy, ignores the interdependence of economics, politics, and international relations. The authors superbly demonstrate that markets do not develop independently and ahistorically, rather their development is path dependent and guided by a qualified and efficient state apparatus. I can think of no better book that disparages neoclassical orthodoxy almost to the point of irrelevancy, while at the same time vindicating the central tenets of institutionalism.'Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Democracy and Institutional Change in Post-Communist Countries 2. History and Institutional Change in the Baltic States 3. Reconstructing and Developing Democracy 4. Economic Development: Is there an Estonian Success? 5. National Identity, Security and Western Integration 6. Institutional Adaptation in new Democracies Appendix References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe twin processes of integration and fragmentation have been the distinguishing features of contemporary globalization. Nowhere is this more strikingly evident than in the Asia Pacific. This first volume of a two-volume study concentrates on the geopolitical and economic transformation of Asia Pacific. It focuses on the complex relationship between the decline of ideological bipolarity, the rapid industrialization of East Asia and the tensions generated by the shifting balance of regional and global economic interests.Particular attention is devoted to the three major powers (the United States, China and Japan) and to a number of small and middle powers in particular Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Australia and Canada. Underpinning the entire analysis is the complex interplay of geopolitics, economy and culture.States, Markets and Civil Society in Asia Pacific is essential reading for scholars and researchers of Asia Pacific politics and economy. The coherent analysis will also ensure the books appeal to those in NGOs and government agencies affected by, or working in, the region.Trade Review'. . . this book is a major contribution to the literature on the broadly conceived Asia-Pacific region and will, as they say, be an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike.' -- Mark Beeson, Labour and Industry'With thorough research, well-articulated analyses and sophisticated discussion of conceptions, this book is not only an excellent reference but also a source of stimulative ideas for researchers.' -- Jian Yang, New Zealand International Review'. . . this is indeed an outstanding book which ought to be read by all who are interested in the political economy of the Asia Pacific region. I look forward to Camilleri's second volume on the development of multilateral approaches to economics and security co-operation in Asia Pacific.' -- Peng Er Lam, Asia Pacific Journal of Management'His analyses of how such security complexes, in leading to the collective identity formation within multilateralist efforts in the region, will no doubt contribute to making the second volume of this study equally well worth reading.' -- Stuart Harris, Pacifica Review'. . . Camilleri's book . . . will work well as an undergraduate text . . . It might also be of interest to academics not immediately familiar with how the region's economy relates to geopolitics as a secondary reference text.' -- Alexius A. Pereira, Asia Pacific Business Review'The book will serve as a comprehensive, sophisticated and well-researched guide to the Pacific Rim's most recent past, worth reading. . . Recommended for public, academic (upper-division undergraduate and up), and professional library collections.' -- R.P. Gardella, Choice'Once again Joseph Camilleri has written a major work. Drawing on a vast literature, he has compiled a coherent whole out of the innumerable pieces of the vast puzzle that is the Asia Pacific. Conceiving of the area as three regional subsystems, his analysis is an impressive blend of historical, conceptual, and empirical materials that focus on the interplay of geopolitics and geoeconomics in a major part of the world that will substantially shape the course of world affairs in the decades ahead. Camilleri brings a keen understanding of the dynamics of change, democratization, and civil society to bear on both the varieties and uniformities to be found in the Asia-Pacific at the outset of a new century.' -- James N. Rosenau, The George Washington University, USTable of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Geopolitical Change: From the Nixon Doctrine to the End of the Cold War 2. East Asia’s Economic Transformation 3. From Hegemony to Competitive Interdependence 4. Periphery and Semi-Periphery: In Search of a New Equilibrium 5. State, Economy and Civil Society 6. Concluding Reflections Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisPrivatization is now a universal practice and is the result of a set of interrelated factors, all of which are explored in this collection. Privatization has also become an academic industry, generating a vast outpouring of books and articles.This authoritative two volume collection, which includes a new introduction by the editors, concentrates on the public policy of privatization, and explores its dimensions by presenting key theoretical and empirical articles. The volumes are also clearly interdisciplinary, bringing together for the first time articles informed by political science, economics and sociology.The collection will be invaluable for both practitioners and academics, especially those involved in the study of applied economics, public policy and political science.Trade Review'This is a very impressive collection of articles on the extent of privatisation, the reasons for privatising put forward by its proponents, the theoretical issues raised, its political and institutional dimensions, and its impact in economic and political terms. Taken from a very wide range of journals, the papers provide a comprehensive coverage of an important topic.' -- Aslib Book GuideTable of ContentsContents: Volume I Acknowledgements • Introduction Part I: Methods, Techniques and Types 1. Lucas J. Wilson (1998), ‘Privatisations in 1996: Another Record Year’ 2. OECD (1997), ‘Privatisation: Recent Trends’ 3. Stephen Young (1986), ‘The Nature of Privatisation in Britain, 1979–85’ 4. Kostas Lavdas (1996), ‘The Political Economy of Privatization in Southern Europe’ 5. Jan Winiecki (1992), ‘Major Privatization Differences between East and West’ 6. Thomas J. Hyclak and Arthur E. King (1994), ‘The Privatisation Experience in Eastern Europe’ 7. Ira W. Lieberman (1997), ‘Introduction: Mass Privatization in Comparative Perspective’ 8. Simon Commander and Tony Killick (1988), ‘Privatisation in Developing Countries: A Survey of the Issues’ 9. Shaoguang Wang (1994), ‘The Compatibility of Public Ownership and the Market Economy: A Great Debate in China’ Part II: Reasons and Rationalizations 10. John Moore ([1983]1986), ‘Why Privatise?’ 11. Carl Shapiro and Robert D. Willig (1990), ‘Economic Rationales for the Scope of Privatization’ 12. Cento Veljanovski (with Mark Bentley) (1987), ‘Property Rights and Industrial Performance’ 13. Louis De Alessi (1987), ‘Property Rights and Privatization’ 14. Dieter Bös and Wolfgang Peters (1991), ‘A Principal-Agent Approach on Manager Effort and Control in Privatized and Public Firms’ 15. Piotr Jasinski (1992), ‘The Transfer and Redefinition of Property Rights: Theoretical Analysis of Transferring Property Rights and Transformational Privatisation in the Post-STEs’ 16. Jonathan Bradley (1996), ‘Privatization in Central and Eastern Europe: Models and Ideologies’ Part III: The Political Dimensions 17. Steve H. Hanke and Stephen J.K. Walters (1990), ‘Privatization and Public Choice: Lessons for the LDCs’ 18. David Stark (1994), ‘Path Dependence and Privatization Strategies in East-Central Europe’ 19. Pierre Guislain (1997), ‘Privatization and Basic Legal Norms’ 20. Douglass C. North (1992), ‘Privatization, Incentives, and Economic Performance’ 21. Jeremy J. Richardson, William A. Maloney and Wolfgang Rüdig (1992), ‘The Dynamics of Policy Change: Lobbying and Water Privatization’ 22. Ellen M. Pint (1990), ‘Nationalization and Privatization: A Rational-Choice Perspective on Efficiency’ 23. Patrick Dunleavy (1986), ‘Explaining the Privatization Boom: Public Choice Versus Radical Approaches’ 24. Carles Boix (1997), ‘Privatizing the Public Business Sector in the Eighties: Economic Performance, Partisan Responses and Divided Governments’ Name Index Volume II Part I: The Political Dimensions 1. Harvey B. Feigenbaum and Jeffrey R. Henig (1994), ‘The Political Underpinnings of Privatization: A Typology’ 2. Roland Czada (1996), ‘The Treuhandanstalt and the Transition from Socialism to Capitalism’ 3. Pierre Guislain (1997), ‘Institutional Framework for Privatization’ 4. Constance Squires Meaney (1995), ‘Foreign Experts, Capitalists, and Competing Agendas: Privatization in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary’ 5. Alex Danso (1992), ‘Privatization of State Owned Enterprises in Africa: The Case of Ghana’ 6. Nicholas Buttle (1996), ‘Privatization and Ethics’ 7. Gawdat Bahgat (1993), ‘Privatization and Democratization in the Arab World: Is There a Connection?’ 8. Michael McFaul (1995), ‘State Power, Institutional Change, and the Politics of Privatization in Russia’ 9. Pita Ogaba Agbese (1992), ‘Moral Economy and the Expansion of the Privatisation Constituency in Nigeria’ Part II: The Impact 10. Yair Aharoni (1991), ‘On Measuring the Success of Privatization’ 11. Giandomenico Majone (1994), ‘Paradoxes of Privatization and Deregulation’ 12. Dieter Bös (1991), ‘Arguments on Privatization’ 13. William L. Megginson, Robert C. Nash and Matthias van Randenborgh (1996), ‘The Financial and Operating Performance of Newly Privatized Firms: An International Empirical Analysis’ 14. Anthony E. Boardman and Aidan R. Vining (1989), ‘Ownership and Performance in Competitive Environments: A Comparison of the Performance of Private, Mixed, and State-Owned Enterprises’ 15. Gladstone Hutchinson (1991), ‘Efficiency Gains Through Privatization of UK Industries’ 16. Werner Baer (1994), ‘Privatisation in Latin America’ 17. Geisa Maria Rocha (1994), ‘Redefining the Role of the Bourgeoisie in Dependent Capitalist Development: Privatization and Liberalization in Brazil’ 18. Mary M. Shirley (1994), ‘Privatization in Latin America: Lessons for Transitional Europe’ 19. Nazih N. Ayubi (1992), ‘Political Correlates of Privatization Programs in the Middle East’ 20. Yudit Kiss (1994), ‘Privatization Paradoxes in East Central Europe’ 21. Vincent Wright (1995), ‘Industrial and Banking Privatization in Western Europe: Some Public Policy Paradoxes’ Name Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor much of the twentieth century, rivalry existed between centrally planned and capitalist solutions to the problems of economic stability and growth. This changed in the 1990s. In that same decade, the period of rapid growth of the Japanese economy came to an end and by the close of the century, the American model of capitalism was seen as the only possible option.Modern capitalism has achieved spectacular rates of innovation and growth but the system is still menaced by financial crises and economic recessions. Furthermore, there is an unacknowledged diversity of capitalist systems. Contributors to this volume argue that to understand capitalism in evolution, this diversity of systems and approaches must be taken into account and their individual evolutions analysed.This book represents a major understanding of the evolution of capitalism in the twenty first century and brings together a distinguished group of experts with perspectives from America, Europe and Japan.Trade Review'. . . this collection will be useful to economic and business historians in reminding them that capitalism is not a monolithic and unvarying economic system.'Table of ContentsContents: Introduction Part I: General Theoretical Perspectives Part II: Theoretical Perspectives on Varieties of Capitalism Part III: Global Paths of Capitalist Development Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe interdependencies between politics, governance and technology have created a 'virtual state'. The author analyses this development within the framework of postmodernism in order to illustrate the importance of adopting a postmodern perspective to understand the theory and practice of public administration and politics.This book examines the special connections linking politics, administration and technology in the 'information society'. Paul Frissen describes recent developments both within public administration and in postmodernism and uses examples from Dutch public administration in order to emphasise the importance of the postmodern perspective. Finally, the author considers the role of politics in the virtual state.This book will prove to be invaluable to scholars of public and social policy, public administration and politics.The translation was funded by NWO, the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research.Trade ReviewAcclaim for the Dutch edition:'The radical theses on politics proclaimed by Frissen will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention. . . . But first of all it is good to realise that the book has two faces. Apart from a polemic and postmodern "narrative" on politics and governance, the book also is a thorough and modern synthesis of an extensive and productive research programme in public administration. Frissen courageously elaborates the lines present in this program.' -- Willem Witteveen, Socialisme and Democratie'The narrative deserves reading. Frissen joins the world of important thinkers and the question is whether the academic circles in The Netherlands are not too narrow for these thoughts to be unfolded.' -- N.J.M. Nelissen, Openbaar BestuurTable of ContentsContents: 1. Prologue 2. Public Administration 3. Technology 4. Public Administration and Technology 5. Politics 6. The Social Decor: Modernisation and Postmodernisation 7. Theoretical Intermezzo 8. Administration and Politics in Postmodern Cyberspace 9. Fragmenting and Connecting Governance 10. Politics without Properties Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis important book uses the most recent advancements in growth theory and case studies to examine the status of economic and political development at the turn of the 20th century. The book first provides an overview of the process of economic development in light of endogenous growth theory. The authors then explore the sources of economic development in East Asian countries, including the role of capital accumulation, international trade, pre-takeoff conditions and intersectoral relations. Pre war Japan is used as a case study to examine the role of industrial structure in accelerating economic development. The contributors then discuss the implications of economic development for income distribution in labor-absorbing economies and newly industrialized countries as well as examining household income distribution in Taiwan. Inequality is analyzed in the context of a developing country experiencing hyper-inflation. The influence of institutions, such as the Bretton Woods system, on developing countries' growth potential is also examined and case studies of Kenya, Uganda, and Sri Lanka are used to explore the role of politics and conflict in the process of economic development.The Political Economy of Comparative Development into the 21st Century will be essential reading for scholars of the economics and politics of development.Trade Review'I warmly recommend The Political Economy of Comparative Development into the 21st Century to everybody interested in the nature of economic development. The essays are thought provoking and intellectually challenging.' -- Tanel Tang, Acta OeconomicaTable of ContentsContents: Preface Part I: Overview 1. As the Century Turns: Analytics, Empirics and Politics of Development Part II: Sources of Development 2. The Sources of East Asian Economic Growth 3. Can Capital Fundamentalism be Revived? A General Equilibrium Approach to Growth Accounting 4. Incomplete Currency Markets and Growth: Some Evidence from Southeast Asia and the Lessons from Japan and Taiwan 5. Initial Pre-takeoff Conditions and Stages of Growth 6. A Dual-Dual Framework to Analyze Intersectoral Relationships throughout the Development Process 7. Changing Industrial Structure and Economic Development: Prewar Japan Revisited Part III: Income Distribution and Development 8. Growth and Changes in Inequality in Labor-absorbing Economies 9. Income Distribution and Development in Newly Industrialized Countries 10. Changes in Inequality and Welfare in a Developing Country Experiencing Hyperinflation Part IV: Institution and Development 11. Growth, Poverty and Inequality in the Philippines 12. The Founding of the Bretton Woods Institutions: A View from the 1990s 13. Democracy, Conflict and Development – Three Cases Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisOver the past four decades, Taiwan has achieved remarkable economic growth. In this important book, a distinguished group of contributors employs a comparative perspective to explore the reasons behind and the lessons to be learned from Taiwan's success. Included in the analysis is an insight into the strategy for economic development, the effectiveness of import substitution and the influence of foreign firms in Taiwan's development. The contributors also analyze the implications of development for income distribution and assess the effect of economic growth on inequality, female labor force participation and income mobility. The possibilities for a more even income distribution are then examined within the context of technological progress and a better education system. Finally, the authors explore the institutional foundation for industrialisation and the relationship between democratization and economic development in order to help explain Taiwan's extraordinary achievement.This book will be of great interest to scholars of Asian studies, development studies and international economics.Trade Review'. . . a welcome book, of particular use to graduate schools.' -- A.J.H. Latham, Asia Pacific Business ReviewTable of ContentsContents: Preface Part I: Overview 1. Reflections on the Economics and Political Economy of Development at the Turn of the Century Part II: Sources of Development 2. How Was Taiwan’s Economy Opened Up? The Foreign Factor in Appraisal 3. Growth and Catch-up in a Cross-section of Local Manufacturing Industries 4. Second-stage Import Substitution: The Taiwan Experience 5. Linkage and Uneven Growth: A Study of Taiwan’s Manmade Fiber Industry Part III: Income Distribution and Development 6. Poverty, Inequality and Economic Growth in Taiwan 7. Income Inequality in Taiwan 1976-95: Changing Family Composition, Aging and Female Labor-force Participation 8. Economic and Demographic Aspects of Taiwan’s Rising Family Income Inequality 9. Estimating the Intergenerational Income Mobility Matrix Using the Pseudo Panel Data 10. Implications of Technology and Education for Wage Dispersion: Evidence from Taiwan Part IV: Institutions and Development 11. The Institutional Foundation of Taiwan’s Industrialization: Exploring the State-Society Nexus 12. The Devolution of Power, Democracy and Economic Development in the Republic of China on Taiwan: The Taiwan Provincial Assembly, 1949-65 Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisCharlatans or Saviours? is the first detailed analysis of professional British economists from Marshall, through Keynes and Meade to the present day. It examines the relationship between professional economists and economic policy in an attempt to answer the question: 'Can economics and professional economists be blamed for the relative decline of the British economy?'This book provides an unrivalled account of how economic policy is made in practice. It uses examples of major policy decisions to show how policy debates develop and then assesses the subsequent balance between political, bureaucratic and economic influence. In this path-breaking investigation Roger Middleton sheds new light on Britain's relative economic decline by examining the advice economists have given to government. He analyses whether economists are partly responsible for this decline or whether they are largely innocent and unnecessarily blamed by politicians. In discussing the rise of professional economics he demonstrates that from the time of Marshall onwards the market for economic policy advice in Britain has been unusually competitive. In addition, Roger Middleton explores the broader concern in contemporary economics, that is, the pursuit of rigour at the expense of relevance.This in-depth study will be welcomed by economists interested in policy making, the history of economic thought, economic historians and political scientists.Trade Review'. . . this book offers a wealth of information and of stimulating questions about highly complex problems, which economists need - perhaps much more than they are inclined - to think through and form considered views about.' -- Terence Hutchison, Economic Record'The work is worthy of a place on the library shelf as it does contribute to an overall picture of economics.' -- Pete Clarke, Capital and Class'Overall, this book is a substantial achievement. It marries a range of literatures few other have brought together. The history of economic thought, economics as a discipline, and the development of economic policy are each scrutinised and assessed, and their interconnections explored. The bibliographic basis of the book is huge, with almost 50 pages of references. It provides a distinctive perspective on the twentieth century British economy from an author who always has something interesting to say. Every library should have a copy.' -- Jim Tomlinson, Contemporary British History'Chapter Three describes the changing supply of and demand for economists over time. This chapter provides very interesting reading for any academic or government economist curious about the history of their chosen career . . . Roger Middleton provides a "warts and all" examination of British economics, including discussion of the falling number of economics Ph.D. students, and the "Mr Spock" method for modelling economic agents' rationality.' -- Caroline Elliott, Business History'In surveying the century, Middleton has hit on the brilliant idea of analyzing quantitatively the contents of the issues of the Economic Journal, which began in 1891, using a machine-readable database, DISMAL, of EJ paper and their authors. This provides information on some authors' characteristics (gender, occupation, professional affiliation, etc.) and the subject and style of the authors' writings. The information is fascinating and very well presented in the first and several of the later chapters. The analysis alone is worth the book. Similarly, the interesting material Middleton has assembled and discussed on the supply and demand for economic advice in Britain over the ten decades is comprehensive and illuminating and perceptively discussed. . . . this book succeeds admirably . . . a valuable and insightful account of the development of the economics profession in Britain from Marshall's day to our own.' -- Susan Howson, Journal of the History of Economic Thought'Very strongly recommended for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and their teachers.' -- D.E. Moggridge, Choice'This book brings together a wealth of material on a fascinating theme: the evolution of the British economics profession since the nineteenth century. It will be invaluable both for historians concerned with economic policy making in Britain and for economists who want to understand how the profession got to its current position.' -- Roger Backhouse, University of Birmingham, UK’”Charlatans in need of salvation, an economy in need of saviours" is the verdict of Roger Middleton in his masterly survey of the rise and decline of British economics. Good works might or might not help, pure thought certainly won't, but reading this book should do the trick. The stock of economics has risen and fallen in the twentieth century, peaking at its mid-point, just as the economy itself was perceived to enter a steady decline. Middleton here deftly traces the interaction between economics as science and as policy in the context of Alfred Marshall's noble ambition to do good. This book is intelligent, readable, insightful, and committed - at once a critique of modern economics and a means for its renewal.' -- Keith Tribe, Keele University, UK'The book is balanced and well-informed. Those who have written or advised on the management of the British economy will be fascinated by a wealth of material and anecdotes with which they are unfamiliar.'- Walter Eltis, Exeter College, Oxford University and University of Reading, UKTable of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction 2. Economics, Economists and Policy 3. The Market for Economic Advice 4. Marshall’s mission, the Prewar Permeationist Strategy and the Professionalisation of Economics 5. Five Economists and Six Opinions: Economics Comes of Age between the Wars 6. Economists Triumphant?: the Keynesian Era and Golden Age Growth 7. ‘Back to Basics’: Monetarism and the Market 8. Conclusions Appendices Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe people of the Middle East face puzzling political realities as they enter the new millennium. Robust Western-style democracies have not yet emerged in the Middle East, yet at the same time, many Middle Eastern countries have experienced an important increase in political liberties in the last two decades.Economic Development and Political Reform addresses critical trends in the Middle Eastern political economy in the 1980s and 1990s and builds upon the cross-regional political science literature concerning political and economic reforms in the developing world. The book argues that external capital has had a decisive impact on economic and political development in the region.The author focuses mainly on Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait and also considers important developments in other Middle Eastern countries. He demonstrates that Middle Eastern states lacking substantial exogenous revenues - including oil and foreign aid - have experienced severe fiscal crises and have been forced to pursue neo-liberal economic strategies. By contrast, those states with greater exogenous resources have undergone milder economic crises and developed more populist economic models.Providing new theoretical perspectives on Third World political and economic reform, this innovative volume will be of particular interest to political economists, international governmental and developmental organizations, international financial institutions and non-governmental organizations in this region.Trade Review'For those readers who have pondered the question of why, despite external economic aid and revenues from hydrocarbons, many Middle Eastern countries have seen little progress in either economic liberalization or democratization since the 1980s, this book offers an insightful thesis. A number of recent international events, most notably the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and the resulting war on terrorism, make a number of Bradley Louis Glasser's arguments worth reviewing. Glasser wrote this book prior to these events; however, the author gives the audience an important lesson in understanding what happens in countries where entrenched poor public policies result in failed political, economic, and social reforms. . . This is a solid and thought-provoking volume for those in the field of emerging markets and Middle Eastern studies, along with policymakers.' -- Helen El Mallakh, The Journal of Energy and Development'Bradley Glasser makes a very important contribution to the literature on Middle Eastern political economy by recasting the core concepts of the rentier state literature. This literature suggests that access to exogenous rents can militate against political liberalization and democratization. Glasser suggests that this is both mistaken and simplistic, as regimes such as those in Egypt or Kuwait in the 1980s used exogenous rents to create political openings that favour populist coalitions and non-class actors. In contrast states that lack exogenous rents such as Turkey and Morocco relied on centre right alliances comprising bourgeois groups which support the neo-liberalization promoted by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Glasser produces convincing evidence for his hypotheses in this book, which deserves to be widely read by political economists and other social scientists, especially those specializing in Middle Eastern studies.' -- Rodney Wilson, University of Durham, UKTable of ContentsContents: 1. Understanding the Impact of Exogenous Revenues on Political and Economic Reforms 2. The Quest for Economic Heterodoxy in the Middle East 3. The Relationship between Economic and Political Development in the Middle East: A Narrative Political Economy 4. Electoral Controls and Alliances: The Position of the Business Elite and the Center-right in the Parliament 5. Foreign Aid and Reform: The Diverging Paths of Egypt and Jordan in the 1990s 6. Distinctive Development Trajectories in the Middle East Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe main theme of this book is the methodological problem of rationality in economic thought. The author investigates the different interpretations of this problem advanced by major figures in the history of economic thought.The book examines the history and rationality of the 'theory of value' from Adam Smith to Alfred Marshall and attempts to understand these arguments and criticisms within a general methodological vein. It goes on to provide a complete historical account of the ideas and arguments on value propounded by Smith, Ricardo, Marx, Jevons, Walras and Marshall as well as by more recent scholars such as Sraffa and Debreu and interprets their methodological differences. The author proposes a novel 'pragmatic-pluralist' methodological interpretation which borrows and creatively synthesizes ideas from many sources, including Wittgenstein (language-games), Searle (performatives), Habermas (communicative reason), hermeneutics, Marx and the pragmatic tradition. Rationality in Economic Thought will be of interest to students and scholars of the history of economic thought, economic methodology and the philosophy of the social sciences.Table of ContentsContents: Introduction Part I: Narration and Interpretation: Methods, Arguments, Disagreements 1. The Nature of Smith’s and Ricardo’s Inquiries, Their Ideas on Value, and Ricardo’s Criticisms of Smith 2. Marx’s Critical Theory: On Method, Value and Exploitation, Accumulation and the Contradictions of Capitalism 3. Marx’s Critique of Smith and Ricardo on Method and Value: Dialectical Appropriations and Transcendence 4. Jevons and Walras on the Nature of Economic Inquiry, Their Ideas on Value and Their Criticisms of the Labour Theory of Value 5. Marshall’s Scissors, Time and the Principle of Continuity: Marshall on Method and Value Part II: Making Rational Sense of the Preceding Pieces of Intellectual History 6. Rationality in the History of Economic Thought: Methodological Interpretations and Conjectures I 7. Rationality in the History of Economic Thought: Methodological Interpretations and Conjectures II 8. Rationality in the History of Economic Thought: Methodological Interpretations and Conjectures III Appendix

Read more less

Book SynopsisMajority rules are generally unstable and not binding for future voters, and so are insufficient for the required security of a market economy. In this challenging book, Peter Moser argues that stability can be achieved by democratic political institutions limiting the influence of majorities.Peter Moser examines the contribution to stable policy choices of a wide range of political institutions including constitutional rules, the organizational structure of legislatures and administrative and judicial procedures. He contributes new insights about the importance of decision rules in democracies by combining theory with empirical studies. He analyses legislative procedures in the US, the European Union and Switzerland, tests a novel explanation for central bank independence, discusses the implications of political decision rules for regulatory behavior, and provides a concise survey of recent critical research on democratic institutions.This book will be particularly welcomed by public choice scholars as well as other economists and political scientists interested in the role of democratic institutions.Trade Review'. . . a rich introduction to the spatial voting literature and to comparative institutional analysis - as well as a cogent statement that, indeed, institutions matter. . . . The book is notable in its eclecticism and thoroughness; it will have the rare appeal to both political scientists and economists in both Europe and America. Moreover, the exposition is careful and the mechanics of spatial social choice analysis are made clear, so it is suitable for some applied classroom use.' -- Edward J. LOpez, Public Choice'The Political Economy of Democratic Institutions provides a first rate insight into the area of economic analysis of democratic institutions with respect to their policy choices and regulatory behaviour. The book not only provides intriguing insights for anyone interested in the political economy of democratic institutions it also, and more importantly, lays out what appears to be a promising research agenda for analysts of public policy in general.' -- Friedrich Schneider, University of Linz, Austria'The public choice literature has for many years been dominated by North American scholars with a natural interest in North American political institutions. This interesting book is a welcome break with this tradition. It nicely applies the tools of public choice to analyse the consequences of several different types of political institutions in Europe. The book combines rigour and relevance, and should be of interest for scholars on both sides of the Atlantic.' -- Dennis C. Mueller, Universitat Wien, AustriaTable of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction Part I: Legislative Institutions and Public Policy: A Survey of the Literature 2. Collective Decisions under Simple Majority Rules 3. Institutional Constraints and Stability 4. Legislative Institutions and Policy Choices: Selected Applications Part II: Institutions and Stability: Checks and Balances in the Swiss Political System 5. A Model of Legislative Decisions 6. A Model of Constitutional Decisions 7. Uncertainty and Interest Groups Part III: Institutions and Policy Choice: The Conditional Influence of the European Parliament 8. Strategic Interactions in Legislative Procedures in the European Union 9. Case Study on Car Emission Standards Part IV: Institutions and Regulatory Behavior: Checks and Balances as a Prerequisite for Independent Central Banks 10. Legislative Choice of the Monetary Institution 11. Legislative Structure and Central Bank Independence Epilogue: Markets, Checks and Balances, and Commitments References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisFinance, Governance and Economic Performance in Pacific and South East Asia focuses on key aspects of government policy, financial systems and their links to the economic miracle in Pacific and South East Asia. It also considers the financial crises that have affected those economies and their economic progress. The contributors examine the success of governance in the form of government involvement with the macroeconomy and with the deregulation of markets. Attention is drawn not only to the need for further liberalisation, but also the need to introduce regulatory structures to produce orderly markets.The book includes contributions on financial market opening in developing countries, the impact of FDI on the economic growth of the ASEAN economies, governance, human capital, labour and endogenous growth in Asia Pacific and lessons from the financial crisis as well as an overview of finance, development and growth.This book will be welcomed by those interested in financial economics and reform, the recent Asian crisis, and growth and development in the region.Trade Review'. . . this is an interesting and valuable collection of papers that addresses a highly topical area of research. The quality of writing is high in the main and the econometric methodology and models transparent. The appendices to many of the empirical chapters provide detailed information about data sources as well as model results. The book should be required reading for researchers and graduate students in this field, and the review papers provide valuable teaching material. It will be especially useful for those concerned with the contribution of governance structures to economic performance, financial crises and the still-disputed relationship between growth and financial liberalization.' -- Jenifer Piesse, Asia Pacific Business ReviewTable of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction 2. Finance, Development and Growth: An Overview 3. Economic Development, Financial Development and Liberalization: Taiwan, 1960–95 4. Financial Market Opening in Developing Countries 5. Japanese Financial Markets in Turmoil: Liberalization and Consequences 6. Bank–Firm Relationships and Corporate Governance in Japan: Evidence for the 1960s to the 1990s 7. The Performance of Taiwan’s Financial Sector 8. Financial Reform and Asian Turmoil: Taiwan’s Experience 9. Thailand’s Financial Revolution and the 1997 Crisis 10. Currency Hedging in Asian Equity Markets 11. Lessons from the Financial Crisis in Pacific and South East Asia 12. Good Governance and Financial Sector Reform 13. Governance, Human Capital, Labour and Endogenous Growth in Asia–Pacific: A Comparative Study 14. Productivity Growth Analysis in the Dynamic Production Function for Selected Asian Countries 15. The Impact of FDI on the Economic Growth of the ASEAN-5 Economies, 1970–94: A Comparative Dynamic Multiplier Analysis from a Small Model, with Emphasis on Liberalization 16. Investment, Finance and Firms’ Objectives: Implications for the Recent Experience of South East Asian Economies Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisGlobalization is a largely ungoverned process of deepening integration, in which American firms are the most active agents of structural change. There are general benefits, in terms of growth and employment, but there are also costs which can generate pressures for protection of the US home market. The book discusses that prospect while reviewing the expansion of interdependencies between the USA and the rest of the world.The authors address questions in current business and policy literature regarding the structural linkages evolving in the globalization process. The authors conclude that the US administration and American firms have to be more responsive to the interests of the international community that are being vitally affected by the integrating effects of transnational production and world trade.Globalizing America will be important reading for international business and international political economy scholars, and for planners in multinational firms.Table of ContentsContents: Introduction 1. Internationalization and Globalization of the American Economy 2. Deepening Integration and Global Governance: America as a Globalized Partner 3. The USA in the World Trading System 4. A Public Choice Perspective on the Globalizing of America 5. The Globalization of US Industries 6. Technology in the Globalization of the USA 7. The United States and Global Capital Markets 8. American Corporate Planning and International Economic Disputes 9. American Macromanagement Issues and Policy 10. Regional Trade Agreements 11. Structural Statecraft 12. Collective Management Issues in US Foreign Economic Relations Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisDespite the fact that Western governments have provided Ukraine with over $10 billion in foreign aid, little is known of Ukraine's economy since it declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. In this book, Professor Banaian describes the halting steps towards transition that Ukraine has taken and analyses their effects. Ukraine is an example of how slow or gradual reform was attempted and stopped. The author argues that this has been the result of several political and economic factors, and that the resulting 'arrested transition' may continue indefinitely. Backed by extensive econometric analysis, the book provides insight into its hyperinflationary experience, the causes of continued economic contraction, Ukraine's experience with exchange rate regime changes, its large underground economy and the prospects for long run growth. The Ukrainian Economy since Independence will be of interest to scholars of the economics and political science of transition as well as policymakers in the area.Trade Review'Banaian's recollections and analysis of the Ukrainian economy show vividly why not all transitions have a happy ending. Ideology and poor policy choices can combine to forestall even the most hopeful signs of a recovery. Given Ukraine's economic potential, the outcome is truly tragic.' -- Pierre Siklos, Wilfrid Laurier University, CanadaTable of ContentsContents: Preface Part I: From Independence to Constitution 1. The Rush to Independence 2. The Hyperinflation Process 3. Reform and Power 4. Two Steps Forward, One Step Back Part II: The Next Stage of Transition 5. The Defeat of the Clans 6. Prospects for Growth in Ukraine 7. Conclusions Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume reflects the pioneering contribution of Nancy and Richard Ruggles to the development of national accounts. It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of national accounting systems over the last 50 years.The book is divided into three parts: the evolution of national accounting, the United States national accounts and the United Nations system of national accounts. The authors look at the treatment of pensions, insurance, and value added in national accounting, and the relationship between national income accounting and economic policy. They then look at the conceptual basis and evolution of national accounting systems in the United States between 1947 and 1977 and the integrated economic accounts between 1947 and 1980. Finally, the book includes a review of the major issues in the United Nations system of national accounts, both in terms of measurement and in their applicability to economies in transition and developing countries.Trade Review'Richard Ruggles, often assisted by Nancy Ruggles, has been a major contributor to national income accounting and to the empirical study of microeconomics and macroeconomics using that and other data. He has focused on the quantitative analysis of actual economic systems in a discipline increasingly preoccupied with abstract pure conceptual models. Like the work of Simon Kuznets and others, Ruggles's analyses encompass an unusually wide range of variables.' -- Warren J. Samuels, Michigan State University, US'They are clearly a classic team that has contributed enormously to national income account analysis over the years. The recent concern about measuring prices and productivity and about the correct indexing for Social Security has brought renewed attention to their work. Every serious economics library should have the volumes.' -- Martin Feldstein, National Bureau of Economic Research, US'The papers speak for themselves and demonstrate the magnitude of the contribution which Nancy and Richard Ruggles have made to the subject of economic accounting in the last half century. In contrast to many introverted and overly technical manuals and articles on national accounts, their papers are invariably clear, stimulating and readable.' -- From the foreword by Peter HillTable of ContentsContents: Part I: Evolution and Concepts of National Accounting 1. National Income Accounting and its Relation to Economic Policy 2. Concepts of Real Capital Stock and Services 3. The Evolution and Present State of National Economic Accounting 4. The Role of the National Accounts in the Statistical System 5. The Treatment of Pensions and Insurance in National Accounts 6. National Income Accounting Concepts and Measurement: Economic Theory and Practice 7. The Value Added of National Accounting Part II: United States National Accounts 8. The Evolution of National Accounts and the National Data Base 9. The United States National Income Accounts, 1947–77: Their Conceptual Basis and Evolution 10. Integrated Economic Accounts for the United States, 1947–80 11. Integrated Economic Accounts: Reply Part III: United Nations System of Accounts 12. The System of National Accounts: Review of Major Issues 13. Financial Accounts and Balance Sheets: Issues for the Revision of the SNA 14. A Note on the Revision of the United Nations System of National Accounts 15. Statistical Measurements for Economic Systems in Transition: Strategy for Implementing the UN System of National Accounts (SNA) 16. Issues Relating to the UN System of National Accounts and Developing Countries 17.The United Nations System of National Accounts (SNA) and the Integration of Macro- and Microdata Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisReviving the tradition of critical, analytical scholarship developed by the 1970s and 1980s editions of the South African review, this first volume of the New South African review offers a collection of original surveys of key issues and problems confronting post-apartheid South Africa. Written by a team of engaged social scientists and based often on new research, the volume ranges widely across the implications of the international crisis for the economy, the threats to our fragile ecology of present economic strategies, through to the state of the ANC and the public service, issues around service delivery, migration, HIV/AIDS, land reform, crime, the sexual behavior of our youth, and much more. Posing the provocative question of whether South Africa is embarking upon a long-term decline, the volume simultaneously argues the potential for a society premised upon social equality, social coherence and sustainability. This collection will appeal to a wide audience, national and international, interested in engaging with the multiple dilemmas and challenges facing contemporary South Africa.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION South Africa 2010: From short-term success to long-term decline? Roger Southall INTRODUCTION to PART 1 South Africa and the eco-logic of the global capitalist crisis Devan Pillay CHAPTER 1: The state of the South African economy Seeraj Mohamed CHAPTER 2: The international economic crisis and employment in South Africa Neva Makgetla CHAPTER 3: The economic impact of South Africa’s 2010 World Cup: Ex ante ambitions and possible ex post realities Scarlett Cornelissen CHAPTER 4: Growth, resource use and decoupling: Towards a ‘green new deal’ for South Africa? Mark Swilling CHAPTER 5: Planning for sustainable living with limited water Mike Muller INTRODUCTION TO PART 2: The politics and challenges of delivery John Daniel CHAPTER 6: The African National Congress under Jacob Zuma Anthony Butler CHAPTER 7: Indigent management: A strategic response to the struggles of the poor in post-apartheid South Africa Prishani Naidoo CHAPTER 8: Fear, enervation and the systematisation of disorder: Challenges to reforming the Department of Home Affairs Colin Hoag CHAPTER 9: The mobile nation: How migration continues to shape South Africa Loren Landau, Tara Polzer and Aurelia Wa Kabwe-Segatti CHAPTER 10: South African female peacekeepers: An exploration of their experiences in the Democratic Republic of Congo Maxi Schoeman, Lizle Loots and Kammila Naidoo INTRODUCTION TO PART 3: Reform and redress in higher education, health and land Roger Southall CHAPTER 11: ‘Silencing and worse ... ’: The humanities and social sciences in South Africa Peter Vale CHAPTER 12: Realising transformation, equity and social justice in higher education Kezia Lewins CHAPTER 13: The polarising impact of South Africa’s AIDS epidemic Hein Marais CHAPTER 14: Health for all? Towards a national health service in South Africa Louis Reynolds CHAPTER 15: The Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP): A beacon of growth for rural South Africa? Sam Kariuki CHAPTER 16: Breaking down barriers: Policy gaps and new options in South African land reform Doreen Atkinson INTRODUCTION TO PART 4: Signs of social decline? Crime, prisons, child trafficking and transactional sex Prishani Naidoo CHAPTER 17: Our burden of pain: Murder and the major forms of violence in South Africa David Bruce CHAPTER 18: Waiting for Godot: Awaiting trial detainees in South Africa Jeremy Gordin CHAPTER 19: Wolves in sheep’s skin: Trafficking of children in Musina, Limpopo Province Zosa de Sas Kropiwnicki CHAPTER 20: Relationships of exchange amongst South African youth in an age of conspicuous consumption Terry-Ann Selikow and Graham Gibbon

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe second volume of the New South African Review (NSAR) continues a tradition of debate and critical, analytical scholarship about contemporary South Africa. Drawing on authors from academia and beyond, it aims to be informative, discursive and provocative. In this volume, the New Growth Path (NGP) adopted by the South African government in 2010 provides the basis for a debate about whether 'decent work' is the best possible solution to South Africa's problems of low economic growth and high unemployment. Rising inequality is explored against the backdrop of the failings of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE). The NGP's proposals for 'greening the economy' are discussed, with emphasis on the creation of 'green jobs' and biofuels. The volume also includes investigations into the crisis of acid mine drainage on the Witwatersrand, and other persistent environmental challenges. Possibilities for participatory forms of government are surveyed, and civil society activism is explored in relation to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and environmental campaigns. The crisis in child care in public hospitals, the difficulties that characterise attempts at building relationships between the police and a township community, and the problems related to the absence of legislation to govern the powers of traditional authorities over land allocation (through the experience of the Eastern Cape) are also featured. Asking whether the NGP reflects a set of new policies or an attempt to re-dress old (com)promises in new clothes, this volume brings together different voices in debate about possibilities for alternatives to neo-liberal and capitalist development in South Africa.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION: The Zuma presidency: The politics of paralysis? John Daniel and Roger Southall CHAPTER 1: The Tripartite Alliance and its discontents: Contesting the ‘National Democratic Revolution’ in the Zuma era Devan Pillay CHAPTER 2: The African National Congress and the Zanufication debate James Hamill and John Hoffman CHAPTER 3: Dancing like a monkey: The Democratic Alliance and opposition politics in South Africa Neil Southern and Roger Southall CHAPTER 4: Democracy and accountability: Quo Vadis South Africa? Paul Hoffman CHAPTER 5: Civil society and participatory policy making in South Africa: Gaps and opportunities Imraan Buccus and Janine Hicks CHAPTER 6: Bring back Kaiser Matanzima? Communal land, traditional leaders and the politics of nostalgia Leslie Bank and Clifford Mabhena CHAPTER 7: South Africa and ‘Southern Africa’: What relationship in 2011? Chris Saunders INTRODUCTION TO PART 2: Continuing crises, contradictions and contestation Prishani Naidoo CHAPTER 8: ‘The wages are low but they are better than nothing’: The dilemma of decent work and job creation in South Africa Edward Webster CHAPTER 9: The crisis of childcare in South African public hospitals Haroon Saloojee CHAPTER 10: The worker cooperative alternative in South Africa Vishwas Satgar and Michelle Williams CHAPTER 11: Policing in the streets of South African townships Knowledge Rajohane Matshedisho CHAPTER 12: BEE Reform: The case for an institutional perspective Don Lindsay CHAPTER 13: Bokfontein amazes the nations: Community Work Programme (CWP) heals a traumatised community Malose Langa and Karl von Holdt INTRODUCTION TO PART 3: Ecological threats and the crisis of civilisation Devan Pillay CHAPTER 14: Above and beyond South Africa’s minerals-energy complex Khadija Sharife and Patrick Bond CHAPTER 15: Corrosion and externalities: The socio-economic impacts of acid mine drainage on the Witwatersrand David Fig CHAPTER 16: Food versus fuel? State, business, civil society and the bio-fuels debate in South Africa, 2003 to 2010 William Attwell INTRODUCTION TO PART 4: Media transformation and the right to know Devan Pillay CHAPTER 17: The print media transformation dilemma Jane Duncan CHAPTER 18: The South African Broadcasting Corporation: The creation and loss of a citizenship vision and the possibilities for building a new one Kate Skinner

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis fifth volume in the New South African Review series takes as its starting point the shock wave emanating from the events at Marikana on 16 August 2012 and how it has reverberated throughout politics and society. some of the chapters in the volume refer directly to Marikana. In others, the influence of that fateful day is pervasive if not direct. Marikana has, for instance, made us look differently at the police and at how order is imposed on society. Monique Marks and David Bruce write that the massacre ‘has come to hold a central place in the analysis of policing, and broader political events since 2012 …’. The chapters highlight a range of current concerns – political, economic and social. David Dickinson’s chapter looks at the life of the poor in a township from within. in contrast, the chapter on foreign policy by Garth le Pere analyses south Africa’s approach to international relations in the Mandela, Mbeki and Zuma eras. Anthony turton’s account, ‘When gold mining ends’ is a chilling forecast of an impending environmental catastrophe. Both Devan Pillay and noor nieftagodien focus attention on the left and, in different ways, ascribe its rise to a new politics in the wake of Marikana. The essays in Beyond Marikana present a range of topics and perspectives of interest to general readers, but the book will also be a useful work of reference for students and researchers.Trade ReviewGilbert M Khadiagala is the Jan Smuts Professor of International Relations at the university of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits). Prishani Naidoo, Devan Pillay and Roger Southall are all based at the Department of Sociology at Wits.Table of ContentsNew political directions?: Post-Marikana Reconstituting and Re-imagining the Left: Prospects and Challenges; Labour and Community Struggles in Post-apartheid South Africa; The Numsa Moments and the Prospects of Left Re-vitalisation in South Africa. Economy, ecology and labour: The South African Economy; Between a Rock and a Hard Place: State-business Relations in the South African Mining Sector; From Wiehahn to Marikana: The Platinum Belt Strike Wave and the Breakdown in Institutionalisation of Industrial Conflict; Pulling a Rabbit from the Proverbial Hat: Dealing with Johannesburg's Slow Onset Uranium Disaster. The state and society: Constitutionalism in South Africa: An 'Unqualified Human Good'?; People's Parliament? Do Citizens Influence South Africa's Legislatures?; Corruption in South Africa: Perceptions and Trends; Groundhog Day? Public Order Policing Twenty Years into Democracy; 'In December We Are Rich, in January We Are Poor': Consumption, Saving, Stealing and Insecurity in the Kasi. SA in the international arena: The Evolution of South Africa's Foreign Policy: A Thematic Essay; South Africa, the BRICS and Human Rights: In Bad Company?; Trading with the Frienemy: How South Africa Depends on African Trade.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe contributors to this volume draw on a non-dogmatic Marxist approach to explain the systemic and conjunctural dynamics of crisis inherent in global capitalism. Their analysis asks what is historically specific to capitalism’s crises while avoiding catastrophic or defeatist claims. At the same time the volume situates left agency within actual patterns of resistance and class struggle to clarify the potential for transformative change. The cycle of resistance strengthened by the World social Forum and transnational activism is now punctuated by the experience of the Arab spring, the agency of antisystemic movements, left think tanks, the Occupy Wall street Movement, labour unions, left parties in europe such as syrizia and Podemos and peoples’ budgeting in Kerala, india. On the down side we are witnessing the waning of the Workers Party in Brazil and serious challenges for south Africa’s once powerful labour movement and still formative social justice activism. All these developments are assessed in this volume. This is the second volume in the Democratic Marxism series. it elaborates on crucial themes introduced in the first volume, Marxisms in the 21st Century: Crisis, Critique and Struggle (edited by Michelle Williams and vishwas satgar).Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Acronyms and abbreviations; Introduction: Vishwas Satgar; Contemporary understandings of capitalism's crises and class struggle; From marx to the systemic crises of capitalist civilisation, Vishwas Satgar; Activist understandings of the crisis of 2008, William K. Carroll; Capitalist crisis and left responses in the global north; Occupy and the dialectics of the left in the United States, Leah-Hunt Hendrix and Isham Christie; Austerity and resistance: The politics of labour in the Eurozone crisis, Andreas Bieler and Jamie Jordan; Beyond social democratic and communist parties: Left political organisation in transition in western, Europe Hilary Wainwright; Capitalist crisis and left responses in the global south; Brazil: From neoliberal democracy to the end of the 'Lula Moment', Alfredo Saad Filho; The global financial crisis and 'resilience': The case of India, Sumangala Damodaran; Real wage trends and the labour crisis in South Africa, Niall Reddy; Seize power! The role of the constitution in unifying social justice struggles in South Africa, Mark Heywood.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) set about reforming its centrally planned economy, it faced the thorny policy question of how to reform its state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Should it support a shift from public to private ownership of the means of production? Such a shift would challenge not only the CCP's socialist ideology but also its very legitimacy. Mixing the business of corporate restructuring with the politics of socialism presented nothing short of a policy nightmare.With policy-relevant acuity, the contributors to this wide-ranging volume address the questions about reform programs that have plagued China—and East Asia more broadly—since the 1990s. While China, Japan, and South Korea have all been criticized for implementing reform too slowly or too selectively, this volume delves into the broader contexts underlying certain institutional decisions. The book seeks to show that seemingly different political economies actually share surprising similarities, and problems. While Going Private in China sheds new light on China's corporate restructuring, it also offers new perspectives on how we think about the process of institutional change.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAs our economic and natural systems continue on their collision course, Bruce Jennings asks whether we have the political capacity to avoid large-scale environmental disaster. Can liberal democracy, he wonders, respond in time to ecological challenges that require dramatic changes in the way we approach the natural world? Must a more effective governance be less democratic and more autocratic? Or can a new form of grassroots ecological democracy save us from ourselves and the false promises of material consumption run amok?Ecological Governance is an ethicist’s reckoning with how our political culture, broadly construed, must change in response to climate change. Jennings argues that during the Anthropocene era a social contract of consumption has been forged. Under it people have given political and economic control to elites in exchange for the promise of economic growth. In a new political economy of the future, the terms of the consumptive contract cannot be met without severe ecological damage. We will need a new guiding vision and collective aim, a new social contract of ecological trusteeship and responsibility.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe unconditional basic income (UBI) has attracted renewed attention in academia, as well as in public discussions in recent years, and much has been written on the possible consequences of a UBI. However, this is the first book focusing on the UBI in Europe that offers empirical research findings. It includes a survey on preferences for a UBI in the EU; an assessment of the political feasibility of a UBI in the EU; field studies in the Netherlands and Scotland; and the findings of laboratory experiments. Presenting contributions from Dutch and international researchers, this book provides scientific answers to the question of whether a UBI is desirable and feasible in Europe.Trade Review“The analysis is very detailed and robust, providing accessible data for anyone wanting to discover the feasibility of a basic income in Europe. The book is particularly useful for those wanting to understand which European nations, and social groups within those countries, are keen on or attracted to the idea of a basic income. The book is also very rich in terms of method … . This is a great text with sublime detail on basic income studies across Europe.” (Brian McDonough, Basic Income Studies, February 24, 2022)“Delsen’s Book provides an insightful collection of studies examining unconditional basic income in terms of its desirability and feasibility in a European context. … the book successfully contributes to a better understanding of unconditional basic income and can help informed, evidence-based policymaking. … Hence, I recommend the reading of this book, particularly for newcomers to the field, and suggest complementing it with some additional investigation of the effects of unconditional basic income.” (Cyrille Francisco, European Journal of Social Security, July 19, 2021)“This book is worth the read and its contents and ideas are fitting well with the current social situation generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. … It is helpful for any student or academic interested in UBI, as well as political decision-makers who want to get an informed perspective on the potential that basic income holds.” (Mircea Gherghina, British Journal of Industrial Relations, Vol. 58 (4), 2020)“Even though the book is focused on European countries, the insights provided through empirical research in the chapters make it a must-read for students, proponents or opponents of UBI, as well as policy makers who are seeking theoretical or practical evidence of the impacts of UBI. … this book provides significant insights into the literature and state of the art in the field of UBI.” (Kruti R. Lehenbauer, Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, Vol. 86, 2020)Table of ContentsUnconditional Basic Income and Welfare State Reform in Representative Democracies.-Individual Preferences for the Unconditional Basic Income in the European Union.-Is a Basic Income Feasible in Europe?.-Exploring Benefits and Costs: Challenges of Implementing Citizen’s Basic Income in Scotland.-Job Search, Employment Capabilities and Well-being of People on Welfare in the Dutch ‘Participation Income’ Experiments.-The Who and the Why? Selection Bias in an Unconditional Basic Income Inspired Social Assistance Experiment.-Experimental Economics: A Test-Bed for the Unconditional Basic Income?.-Experimental and Game Theoretical Analyses of the Unconditional Basic Income.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides a non-technical, accessible primer on sustainable agricultural development and its relationship to sustainable development based on three analytical pillars. The first is to understand agriculture as complex physical-biological-human systems. Second is the economic perspective of understanding tradeoffs and synergies among the economic, environmental and social dimensions of these systems at farm, regional and global scales. Third is the understanding of these agricultural systems as the supply side of one sector of a growing economy, interacting through markets and policies with other sectors at local, national and global scales. The first part of the book introduces the concept of sustainability and develops an analytical framework based on tradeoffs quantified using impact indicators in the economic, environmental and social domains, linking this framework to the role of agriculture in economic growth and development. Next the authors introduce the reader to the sustainability challenges of major agroecosystems in the developing and industrialized worlds. The concluding chapter discusses the design and implementation of sustainable development pathways, through the expression of consumers’ desire for sustainably produced foods on the demand side of the food system, and through policies on the supply side such as new more sustainable technologies, environmental regulation and payments for ecosystem services. Table of Contents Introduction Economic Development, Sustainable Development and Agriculture Sustainability of Agricultural Systems Challenges of Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries Challenges of Sustainable Agricultural Development in High-Income Countries Pathways to Sustainable Agricultural Development

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis open access textbook offers a critical introduction to human and economic development prospects in Africa revolving around three questions: where is Africa today, what explains the current state, and, given historical trends and what we know about the world, where do we think the continent will be in 2040? And, a final question: what can we do to create a better tomorrow? It models ambitious progress in health, demographics, agriculture, education, industrialization, technological leapfrogging, increased trade, greater stability, better governance and external support. The book reviews the future of work/jobs, poverty and the impact of climate change. A combined Closing the Gap scenario presents a forecast of what could be possible by 2040. Each chapter suggests which policies might accelerate prospects for each sector. Written in an accessible style, and supported by a range of pedagogical features, this textbook introduces undergraduate and graduate students to the contemporary human and economic development prospects in Africa.Table of ContentsChapter 1: The Growing GapChapter 2: Africa’s Current PathChapter 3: HealthChapter 4: Getting to Africa's Demographic DividendChapter 5: Wanted – A Revolution in AgricultureChapter 6: Boosting EducationChapter 7: Poverty, Inequality and GrowthChapter 8: Changing Productive StructuresChapter 9: The Future of Work in AfricaChapter 10: Technological Innovation and the Power of LeapfroggingChapter 11: Trade and GrowthChapter 12: Prospects for Greater PeaceChapter 13: Good Governance, Democracy and DevelopmentChapter 14: Aid, Remittances and Foreign Direct Investment Chapter 15: Climate ChangeChapter 16: Conclusion

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany emerging market countries are bank-based economies and are increasingly affected by geopolitical risks, U.S. dollar dynamics, regulations, preferential trade agreements (PTAs), MNCs (that often function like international organizations), social networks, labor dynamics, cross-border spillovers and the inefficient expansion of formal/informal microfinance. Country risks, informal economies (that account for 20-50 percent of the national economy of many emerging market countries), investor protection, enforcement commitment, compliance costs, sustainability (environmental, social, economic and political sustainability), economic growth, political stability, financial stability, geopolitical risk, social networks, household economics, inequality and international trade outcomes can vary dramatically across many DECs and LDECs due to these phenomena. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the many problems inherent in political systems, economic policy and governments’ emergency powers during pandemics/epidemics and economic/financial crisis.This second volume focuses on geopolitical risks that are intertwined with constitutional political economy and labor issues, alongside addressing some of the financial and constitutional crises that occurred in Europe, Asia and the U.S. during 2007-2020. This book provides analysis of complex systems and the preferences and reasoning of state/government and corporate actors in order to develop better artificial intelligence and decision-system models of geopolitical risk, public policy and international capital flows, all of which are increasingly important decision factors for investment managers, boards-of-directors and government officials.Table of Contents​Chapter 1. IntroductionChapter 2. Sustainable Growth, Financial Stability and the Failure/Unconstitutionality of the Dodd-Frank Act (USA) (and Similar Statutes Such as the Pre-2020 European Union Sustainable Growth Regulations)Chapter 3. Economic Psychology, Geopolitical Risk and The Unconstitutionality of Private-Sector Credit RatingAgencies, Ratings Opinions and Government Bailouts/Bail-insChapter 4. International Constitutional Political Economy and Sustainability Issues Inherent in Accounting andDerivatives Standards-Setting OrganizationsChapter 5. Unconstitutionality and Failure of Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the PCAOB (USA) and Similar InstitutionsChapter 6. Complex Systems, Pandemics/Epidemics and the Welfare-State,Part-1: “Policy-Contagion” And Cross-Border SpilloversChapter 7. Complex Systems, Pandemics and the Welfare State,Part-2: Constitutional Political Economy, Complianceand Constitutional Contagion Issues

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis volume offers both theoretical approaches and case studies on the relationship between religion and the secular world. Bringing together contributions from seasoned authors, religious leaders, and brilliant new scholars, it frames the long-standing debate on how to structure a comparative representation of any religion on the one side, and the secular world on the other. Often, the very act of comparing religions exposes them to an assessment of their role in history and politics, and risks leading to some sort of grading and ranking, which is highly unproductive. By candidly discussing the relation between religion and the secular and providing concrete examples from four case studies (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Baha’I’), this book provides an important reference on how this can be achieved in a neutral way, while keeping in mind the normative finality of seeking conciliation to existing fractures, both within and among religions.Table of ContentsI. PrefaceII. Introduction Dr Simone Raudino (Bridging Gaps, Hong Kong)Part IIII. Religious Perspectives on the secular world1. Christianity and the Secular – Dr Steve Chavura (Macquarie University, Sidney)2. Judaism and the World: A Kaleidoscope of Responses– Rabbi Jeremy Rosen (Jewish Community Center, New York)3. Islam – 4. Baha’i Faith and the Age of the Oneness of Humankind and World Peace – Professor Hoda Mahmoudi (University of Maryland, College Park)Part IIIV. Fracture and Composition6. Faiths in Collision: The Social Revolution in the Post-Christian West and the Pan-Islamic Revolution – Professor Wayne Cristaudo (University of Darwin) 7. Islamic Radicalism in the West – Dr Simone Raudino & Dr Uzma Ashraf (Bridging Gaps, Hong Kong)8. Secularism and legal pluralism in Muslim-minority States – Abigail Champion and Ahmad Ghouri 9. Muslims in Secular Europe – Amineh Hoti 10. Strategies for Inter-religious Dialogue - Jenn LindsayV. Conclusions

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis aim of this open access book is to launch an international, cross-disciplinary conversation on fatherhood engagement. By integrating perspective from three sectors—Health, Social Policy, and Work in Organizations—the book offers a novel perspective on the benefits of engaged fatherhood for men, for families, and for gender equality. The chapters are crafted to engaged broad audiences, including policy makers and organizational leaders, healthcare practitioners and fellow scholars, as well as families and their loved ones. Table of Contents

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents the evolution of the international monetary system from the gold standard to the monetary system in force today. It adopts a political economy approach, emphasizing the economic and political conditions under which an international monetary system can come into existence and be maintained over time. This approach highlights how the gradual transition in the international context from commodity money to fiat money has been led by the need for greater elasticity of money supply and smooth adjustments. This transition, however, raises the issue of how to guarantee, over time, the value of a money devoid of intrinsic value. By presenting a historical evolution, the book explains how the existence of an international monetary system based on money without intrinsic value can only occur when a particular balance of power exists at the international level that allows for the production of trust in a fiat money. The book is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and students in the fields of economic history and international monetary economics, interested in better understanding the evolution of the international monetary system.Table of ContentsIntroduction - The Main Features of the International Money's Evolution.- Money and the International Monetary System: Origins and Evolution.- The Classic Gold Standard.- The Gold-Exchange Standard, its Collapse, and the Interwar Lack of an International Money.- The Bretton Woods System.- The Dollar Standard.- Critical Issues in the Current International Monetary System and Future Prospects.- Conclusions.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents extensions to current commodity-flow models to analyze the economic and environmental impacts of recent structural changes, such as fragmentation of production and lengthening supply chains. The extensions enable augmented commodity-flow models to analyze the vulnerability of supply chains and regions to climate change and extreme weather events. The models allow the explicit treatment of trade in intermediate goods; the so-called “new economic geography” behavioral foundations for production and inter-industry and interregional trade; endogenous determination of capital investment and employment; and changes in emissions associated with production, consumption and freight movement. Presenting a modeling framework and simulations that are based on a thirty-year, spatial time-series of inter-industry and interstate trade in the US, this unique book is a valuable resource for regional scientists, economic geographers and transportation modelers, as well as environmental and atmospheric scientists.Table of ContentsSee attachments

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book applies an approach to study the externalization of cost under capitalism in the production of Argentine yerba mate, an infusion with stimulant properties long used by indigenous peoples. Consumption in today’s globalized economy makes it difficult to understand the consequences of our actions across the globe. A political-ecological lens, informed by the work of Robert Sack and Ian Cook, can help guide an analysis that geographically reconstructs supply chains and reveal the realities of consumption. The use of yerba mate has become a cornerstone of Argentine society and identity, and yerba mate processors are working to expand exports globally. In Argentina’s Misiones Province, the heart of yerba mate production, the true costs of production are borne by the children, the impoverished laborers, and the environment of Argentina’s Atlantic Rainforest. These consequences of modernity, along with the efforts of an NGO to remedy them, are presented and assessed.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. A Brief Biographical Sketch of Yerba Mate.- Chapter 3. “Get[ting] Behind the Veil”.- Chapter 4. INYM, Prices, and the Argentine Yerba Mate “Food System”.- Chapter 5. Socio-Environmental Consequences of Low Margins.- Chapter 6. Conclusion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis two-volume book examines the most important global problem—the recovery of the social-economic crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This economic crisis has its own basis and differs from others by the lockdown of most businesses on the decision of authorities. The uncertainty of the future economic revival obliges scientists around the world to unite in search of effective solutions that will become the basis for prosperity and human wellbeing. The death of millions of people around the world, several waves of coronavirus, and a global pandemic have forced most states to seek extraordinary measures to save people and revive economic activity. The world economy experienced a global shock, probably never experienced before due to lockdowns. The disruptions and gaps in the value chains were primarily caused by the lockdowns of enterprises. The change in the essence of the economic crisis has raised the question of how to overcome it and revive economic activity. The crisis caused a sharp decline in incomes of the population around the world, which led to social upheavals. Post-COVID economic revival in a globalized world has become the most important problem of our time. This book offers contributions of authors from different countries and explores problem solving in the fields of public administration (Volume I, Part I), financial services (Volume I, Part II), different branches (Volume II, Part III) and the social sector (Volume II, Part IV). The second volume of the book is devoted problems in sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, tourism, aircraft, the automotive industry, electricity, culture, etc. The second part of the second volume examines trends in the revival in the social sector—medicine, pharmaceuticals, the labor market and social insurance. Despite the fact that the book is divided into two volumes and four parts, a holistic and systematic perception of the new reality of the post-COVID age can be obtained by reading the entire book. This book will be of interest to academics and practitioners in public administration and economics, particularly those who are interested in Post-COVID economic revival.Table of ContentsChapter 27: Post-COVID revival: economy and society.- Part III: Markets at Post-COVID Age.- Chapter 28: The National Technological Initiative of Russia Project Implementation as a Basis for the Development of Perspective Technological Markets and Industries in Russia.- Chapter 29: Opportunities and Prospects for Transition to Post-COVID Circular Economy.- Chapter 30: Disposal of Medical Waste in the COVID-19 and the post-COVID period.-Chapter 31: Pricing in the Context of Structural Modernization in Post-COVID Economy.- Chapter 32: The Impact of COVID-19 on Agriculture.- Chapter 33: Economic Mechanisms of Regulation of Innovative Industrial Technologies in the Post-COVID Age.- Chapter 34: Post-lockdown Flights: New Strategies for Civil Aircraft Manufacturers and Airlines.- Chapter 35: China's Electricity Market Reform in the Post-COVID Era.- Chapter 36: Creative Industries: a Review of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic.- Chapter 37: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Housing and Construction Markets.- Chapter 38: The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Automation of Planning and Operational Management of Organizational and Technical Systems in the COVID-19 Pandemic.- Chapter 39: The Changing Role of the Internal Audit of the Transport Facility in the Post-COVID Period.- Chapter 40: The Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Russian Automotive Industry.- Chapter 41: Tourism at the Post-COVID Age.- Part IV: Social Development at Post-COVID Age.- Chapter 42: Influence of COVID-19 on Healthcare System.- Chapter 43: Government Protection of Both Parties in the Operation of the Post-Epidemic Labor Market in China.- Chapter 44: Flexible Employment Development in Post-COVID Economic Revival.- Chapter 45: The Impact and Response of Artificial Intelligence on Labor Market in Post-Epidemic Era.- Chapter 46: The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Healthcare System in Poland.- Chapter 47: Back to the (Ab)normality: Eastern-European Labor Markets after Pandemic.- Chapter 48: Health Insurance Problems of Unknown Infections.- Chapter 49: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Labor Market in Poland.- Chapter 50: Analytical Review of the Market for COVID-19 Vaccines: Production, Cost, and Distribution.- Chapter 51: Judicial Institutions and Legal Services in the Post-COVID Period.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book assesses the vulnerability impacts of climate change on food security by examining a 50 years scenario (2015- 2065) and following a top-down approach. Importantly, looking at the sustainable food production, the authors compared the cost-benefit of adaptation costs from 2015 to 2065. It was found that a 15% adaptation capacity is more efficient for Malaysia in order to combat the climate change effects on the food sector. This book has developed a quantitative adaptive model namely, the Malaysian Climate and Economy (MCE) model, based on the dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modeling structure to examine food sustainability and adaptation strategies. Malaysia experiences an unusual combination of droughts and extreme rainfall events that can be attributed to climate change. These unusual events and consequences leave Malaysian policymakers looking for ways to make Malaysia self-sufficient in terms of agriculture. It is assumed that climate change effects may result in increasing food insecurity and vulnerability in the future. Policy measures are in place to lessen the likely climatic effects overall, but there is an urgent need to develop an adaptation policy for the future. Table of ContentsABSTRACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS Chapter One: Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Research background 1.2.1 Problem statement 1.3 Research questions 1.4 Objectives of the research 1.5 Current climate change scenario in Malaysia 1.6 Significance of the study 1.6.1 Limitations 1.7 Conclusion 1.8 Thesis organization Chapter Two: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Climate variability and climate change 2.2.1 Declining food sector 2.3 ADB Observations of Climate Change in Agriculture in South East Asia 2.4 Dynamics of food security under changing climate 2.5 Food security and climate change: a conceptual framework 2.6 Contribution of food sector in Malaysian GDP: 2.7 Potential impacts of climate change on food security in Malaysia: 2.8 Climate change and self-sufficiency level in rice production in Malaysia: 2.9 Food Security Policy in Malaysia 2.10 Food security and responses to climate change 2.11 Exploring development paths: institutions and collective behaviour 2.12 Empirical literature on the impact of climate change 2.13 Relevant literature based on national and international perspectives 2.14 Models to assess the impact of climate change 2.14.1 Partial equilibrium models 2.14.2 Crop simulation models 2.14.3 Agro-ecological zone (AEZ) models 2.14.4 Ricardian models 2.15 Adaptation policy for food security 2.15.1 Levels and approaches of adaptation for Malaysia 2.15.2 Government’s policies, challenges and actions for food security in the national level 2.15.3 Food policy measures and challenges at international level 2.16 Literature gap 2.17Contribution toliterature for Malaysian perspectives Chapter Three: Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Hypothetical construction of the study 3.3 General equilibrium theory 3.4 Conceptual framework of the study 3.5 Sources of the data 3.5.1 Study area 3.5.2 Empirical economizing adoption 3.6 Study of different level of adaptation option for climate change 3.7 Description of Simulations 3.8 The basic of Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model 3.9 Pros and Cons of the basic model 3.10 Social accounting matrix (SAM) 3.11 SAM Market Closure 3.11.1 Market Clearance Condition 3.11.2 Normal Profit Condition 3.11.3 Factor Market Balance 3.12 Balancing a social accounting matrix (SAM) 3.13 A CGE Model for Malaysian Economy 3.13.1 Basic Structure of the Model 3.13.2 Prices 3.14 Production 3.15 Domestic demand 3.16 Mathematical Statement and Specification of the MICE Model 3.17 Price block 141 3.17.1 Import Price 3.17.2 Export Price 3.17.3 Composite Goods Price 3.17.4 Domestic Output Price 3.17.5 Activity Price 3.17.6 Value-added Price 3.17.7 Consumer Price Index 3.18 Producer Price Index for Non-traded Market Output 3.19 The Production and Commodity Block Equations 3.20 Factor Income 3.20.1 Household Income 3.20.2 Household Consumption Demand 3.20.3 Investment Demand 3.20.4 Government Revenue 3.20.5 Government Expenditure 3.21 System Constraints Block 3.21.1 Factor Markets 3.21.2 Composite Commodity Markets 3.21.3 Current-Account Balance for the Rest of the World, (in Foreign Currency) 150 3.21.4 Savings-Investment Balance 3.22 Climate Change Block 3.23 Calibrating the CGE Model 3.24 Perform Scenario Simulations within the CGE Model 3.25 Conclusion 157 Chapter Four: Scenarios of Adaptation Cost for Food Sustainability 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Policy scenarios 4.3 Description of Simulations 4.4 Different scenario analysis 4.4.1 Different level of damages from climate change 4.4.2 Cost of different adaptation option 4.4.3 The effect of climate change in government expenditure 4.4.4 The impact of climate change on food sustainability over time 4.4.5 The effects of adaptation strategies to Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP) Chapter Five: Policy Implications and Validations 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Suitable adaptation policy for food sustainability 5.3 Macro-economic effects of climate change 5.4 Predicted implications of adaptation options on food sustainability: 5.5 Adaptation action and policy issues for Malaysia 5.6 Summary Chapter Six: Adaptation Policy Recommendation 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Summary of findings 6.2.1 Different level of adaptation action 6.2.2 Adaptation cost and benefit for adaptation policy 6.2.3 Impacts of climate change for adaptation option 6.3 Capacity building options and gaps in the local policy community 6.4 Policy suggestion 6.5 Contribution 6.6 Suggestions for future research 6.7 Limitations 2 References List of Publications and Papers Presented Appendix

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor several decades now, advanced economies across the globe have been undergoing a process of rapid transformation towards becoming knowledge economies. It is now widely recognized that intangible capital has been a crucial element in the growth performance of these economies and their firms. The term serves as a useful device for capturing those dimensions of capital that are not tangible in nature but are nevertheless fundamentally important for growth. It encompasses investments in education (human capital) and in informal (social capital) and formal (rule of law) institutions by the public sector and households, as well as investments by businesses aimed at enhancing their knowledge base, such as software, innovative property, and economic competencies.Intangible Capital and Growth is the first of two open-access volumes presenting a selection of the author's essays on Labor Productivity, Monetary Economics, and Political Economy. This first volume brings together eight of the author's essays, selected with the aim of providing an overview of his research to date on intangible capital and growth.Table of ContentsChapter 1: The Productivity Puzzle – A critical assessment and an outlook on the COVID-19 crisis.- Chapter 2: Revisiting intangible capital and labour productivity growth, 2000-2015: Accounting for the crisis and economic recovery in the EU.- Chapter 3: The Rule of Law and Labour Productivity Growth by Businesses: Evidence for the EU, 1998-2005.- Chapter 4: Organizational Trust, Organizational Fear and TFP Growth: A sectoral analysis for the EU.- Chapter 5: Intangible Capital and Labor Productivity Growth: Panel evidence for the EU from 1998-2005.- Chapter 6: Measuring Innovation – Intangible capital investment in the EU.- Chapter 7: Does too much trust hamper economic growth.- Chapter 8: Social Capital, Trust and Economic Growth.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book acts as a tribute to the legacy of the Canadian political economist Kari Polanyi Levitt, daughter of Karl Polanyi, one of the great economists of the 20th century. Polanyi Levitt’s life and work were devoted to understanding the scientific and political challenges that humanity faces and the incredible impacts of development, trade, and globalization in their diverse manifestations, including in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This book reflects on Polanyi Levitt’s conviction that the solution to contemporary challenges lies not in the development of sophisticated technologies, but in questioning how we want to live with each other and working to re-embed the economy in the wider social system. Ultimately, the book contends that Polanyi Levitt’s message is simple: humanity must rethink the way we live in this world our place in the universe, and our relationship with nature. Drawing on a 10-year research project encompassing interviews and literature review, this short volume introduces and celebrates Kari Polanyi Levitt's legacy and invites political economists to engage with her work.Table of Contents​Ch 1: Introduction.- Ch 2: The Trajectory of a Lifetime Part 1: From Vienna to London.- Ch 3: The Trajectory of a Lifetime Part 2: Crossing the Ocean to Canada and the Carribean.- Ch 4: The Trajectory of a Lifetime Part 3: Retirement, Her Father's Legacy and Beyond.- Ch 5: Conclusion.

Read more less