An Introduction to Latin American Economics: Understanding Theory Through History

This textbook provides an introduction to the major economic topics and events in Latin American history,from the settlement of the region by indigenous Americans and Europeans to the economic consequences of COVID-19. It introduces concepts such as Dutch Disease and Dependency Theory,policies such as import-substituting industrialization and neoliberalism,and analytical tools such as the circular flow of income and the foreign exchange market.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 215 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive textbook offers an insightful introduction to the major economic topics and events that have shaped Latin America's history,spanning from the arrival of indigenous Americans and European settlers to the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each chapter delves into a specific period,such as pre-Columbian America,the 1980s debt crisis,and the decline in income inequality in the 21st century. Within these chapters,key concepts such as Dutch Disease,Dependency Theory,import-substituting industrialization,neoliberalism,and the circular flow of income are introduced,along with analytical tools like the foreign exchange market. Descriptive data are employed to illustrate these concepts,with examples such as Latin America's current account balance during the 1970s and 1980s highlighting the impact of the debt crisis,and the relationship between money supply growth and inflation in Argentina during the 1980s and 1990s illustrating the effects of expansionary monetary policy and convertibility.

As a core textbook for an introductory course on Latin American Economics,this book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the region's economic development. Alternatively,it can serve as a valuable complementary text for an introductory course in Latin American Studies or a social science course on Latin America. By exploring the historical roots and contemporary challenges of Latin America's economy,students will gain a deeper appreciation of the region's complex and multifaceted economic landscape.

The textbook is organized into nine chapters,each dedicated to a specific period in Latin American economic history. The first chapter provides a historical overview of the region,from the arrival of the first humans to the colonization by Europeans. It explores the economic and social structures that emerged during this period and highlights the role of indigenous communities in shaping Latin America's economic development.

The second chapter focuses on the period of European colonization,which brought about significant changes in the economic and political landscape of the region. It examines the impact of colonialism on the indigenous communities,the development of plantation economies,and the emergence of a global trade network. The chapter also discusses the emergence of economic policies aimed at promoting economic growth and stability,such as mercantilism and the establishment of colonial empires.

The third chapter delves into the 19th century,a period marked by the rise. It explores the economic development of Latin America during this time,including the rise of the coffee industry,the expansion of the sugar industry,and the growth of the industrial sector. The chapter also discusses the emergence of political instability and the impact of foreign intervention on the region's economy.

The fourth chapter examines the 20th century,a period characterized by significant economic growth and social transformation. It explores the rise of populism,the emergence of new political movements,and the implementation of economic policies aimed at promoting social welfare and reducing inequality. The chapter also discusses the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on the region's economy and the emergence of new economic policies,such as the New Deal and the Marshall Plan.

The fifth chapter focuses on the 1980s,a period marked by economic crises and political instability. It explores the causes of the debt crisis,the impact of international financial institutions on the region's economy,and the emergence of new economic policies,such as neoliberalism and structural adjustment. The chapter also discusses the social and political consequences of these policies,including the rise of poverty and inequality.

The sixth chapter examines the 21st century,a period characterized by economic growth and social inequality. It explores the causes of income inequality,the impact of globalization on the region's economy,and the emergence of new economic policies,such as the BRICS and the Sustainable Development Goals. The chapter also discusses the social and political consequences of these policies,including the rise of populism and the decline of democratic institutions.

The seventh chapter explores the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latin America. It examines the impact of the pandemic on the region's economy,including the decline in GDP,the increase in unemployment,and the impact of government policies on the recovery. The chapter also discusses the social and political consequences of the pandemic,including the rise of authoritarianism and the decline of democratic institutions.

The eighth chapter examines the future of Latin America's economy. It explores the challenges and opportunities that the region faces,including the impact of climate change,the emergence of new technologies,and the potential for economic growth and development. The chapter also discusses the role of the government and international institutions in promoting economic growth and stability in the region.

The ninth chapter provides a conclusion to the textbook. It summarizes the key points discussed in the previous chapters and highlights the importance of understanding Latin America's economic history in order to promote economic growth and stability in the region.

In conclusion,this comprehensive textbook offers an insightful introduction to the major economic topics and events that have shaped Latin America's history. By exploring the historical roots
roots and contemporary challenges of Latin America's economy,students will gain a deeper appreciation of the region's complex and multifaceted economic landscape. The textbook is organized into nine chapters,each dedicated to a specific period in Latin American economic history. The first chapter provides a historical overview of the region,from the arrival of the first humans to the colonization by Europeans. It explores the economic and social structures that emerged during this period and highlights the role of indigenous communities in shaping Latin America's economic development.

The second chapter focuses on the period of European colonization,which brought about significant changes in the economic and political landscape of the region. It examines the impact of colonialism on the indigenous communities,the development of plantation economies,and the emergence of a global trade network. The chapter also discusses the emergence of economic policies aimed at promoting economic growth and stability,such as mercantilism and the establishment of colonial empires.

The third chapter delves into the 19th century,a period marked by significant economic development and social transformation. It explores the economic development of Latin America during this time,including the rise of the coffee industry,the expansion of the sugar industry,and the growth of the industrial sector. The chapter also discusses the emergence of political instability and the impact of foreign intervention on the region's economy.

The fourth chapter examines the 20th century,a period characterized by significant economic growth and social transformation. It explores the rise of populism,the emergence of new political movements,and the implementation of economic policies aimed at promoting social welfare and reducing inequality. The chapter also discusses the impact of the Great Depression and World War II on the region's economy and the emergence of new economic policies,such as the New Deal and the Marshall Plan.

The fifth chapter focuses on the 1980s,a period marked by economic crises and political instability. It explores the causes of the debt crisis,the impact of international financial institutions on the region's economy,and the emergence of new economic policies,such as neoliberalism and structural adjustment. The chapter also discusses the social and political consequences of these policies,including the rise of poverty and inequality.

The sixth chapter examines the 21st century,a period characterized by economic growth and social inequality. It explores the causes of income inequality,the impact of globalization on the region's economy,and the emergence of new economic policies,such as the BRICS and the Sustainable Development Goals. The chapter also discusses the social and political consequences of these policies,including the rise of populism and the decline of democratic institutions.

The seventh chapter explores the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latin America. It examines the impact of the pandemic on the region's economy,including the decline in GDP,the increase in unemployment,and the impact of government policies on the recovery. The chapter also discusses the social and political consequences of the pandemic,including the rise of authoritarianism and the decline of democratic institutions.

The eighth chapter examines the future of Latin America's economy. It explores the challenges and opportunities that the region faces,including the impact of climate change,the emergence of new technologies,and the potential for economic growth and development. The chapter also discusses the role of the government and international institutions in promoting economic growth and stability in the region.

The ninth chapter provides a conclusion to the textbook. It summarizes the key points discussed in the previous chapters and highlights the importance of understanding Latin America's economic history in order to promote economic growth and stability in the region.

Weight: 355g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030766160
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021