Perspectives on International Relations: Power, Institutions, and Ideas: 2nd Edition: By Henry R. Nau, George Washington University

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Development in Asia and Latin America

Study

Chapter 11 compares the development of two regions of the world: Asia and Latin America. Development—or material, institutional, and human progress—is viewed differently by the three perspectives. Realist perspectives see it in relative terms, liberal perspectives view it in light of specialization and markets, and identity perspectives contextualize development within political and social objectives. Although analysts differ as to what, exactly, causes development, few dispute that it has occurred much more successfully in Asia than in Latin America. Possible reasons for this include Asia's export-driven economies; its emphasis on land reform, primary education, and health programs; and the unique values of the region.

Study Questions

  1. How does the identity perspective explain development?


  2. What limits to export-led growth has Asia reached? How have these limits affected the region?


  3. What are import substitution policies? How did they impact the economies of Latin America in the twentieth century?