Theories of development

Dependency theory is currently being challenged by a fresh application of classic Marxist principles combined with thinking from Marxist structuralism. The result is a body of work that emphasizes the importance of the mode of production rather than markets or exchange relations. Essays from opposing viewpoints have been collected in this volume to study the Third World and discuss the progressive or regressive role of capitalism in developing countries — whether production in them is capitalist or pre-capitalist, and re-emphasize the importance of class relations in development. As a review of the complex theoretical issues involved and the intellectual history behind them, the book has much to offer both specialists and students.