Abstract

LOPEZ CASTELLANO, Fernando. The Political Economy of Development. Post-colonial Analysis and "Bad Samaritans". Prob. Des [online]. 2012, vol.43, n.169, pp.27-50. ISSN 0301-7036.

The aim of this paper is to present the most relevant features of the neo-institutionalist view of economic development and its criticisms. To this end, the main arguments for the "New Political Economy of Development" and "Economic Policy for Colonization" are highlighted. Reflections on analysts connected with post-colonial study are then presented. These throw into doubt the validity of schemes of political analysis underpinning the interpretations of conflict in postcolonial Africa, and those of Latin American theorists associated with the rejection of Westernization. The study ends with critical reflections on the historical reconstruction process created by orthodox economics and their disproportionate emphasis on the relationship between institutions and development.

Keywords : Neo-institutionalism; political economy of development; political economy of colonization; modern State.