The decline of Latin American economies : growth, institutions, and crises / edited by Sebastian Edwards, Gerardo Esquivel, and Graciela Márquez.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Edwards, Sebastian, 1953-

Esquivel, Gerardo.

Márquez, Graciela.

Series:

National Bureau of Economic Research conference report

A National Bureau of Economic Research conference report

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Latin America--Economic conditions.

Latin America.

Economic conditions.

Latin America--Economic policy.

Economic policy.

Latin America--Politics and government.

Politics and government.

Latin America--History.

History.

Physical Description:

viii, 418 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 2007.

Summary:

Latin America's economic performance is mediocre at best, despite abundant natural resources and flourishing neighbors to the north. The perplexing question of how some of the wealthiest nations in the world in the nineteenth century are now the most crisis-prone has long puzzled economists and historians. "The Decline of Latin American Economies" examines the reality behind the struggling economies of Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. A distinguished panel of experts argues here that slow growth, rampant protectionism, and rising inflation plagued Latin America for years, where corrupt institutions and political unrest undermined the financial outlook of already besieged economies. Tracing Latin America's growth and decline through two centuries, this volume illustrates how a once-prosperous continent now lags behind. Of interest to scholars and policymakers alike, it offers new insight into the relationship between political systems and economic development.

Contents:

When did Latin America fall behind? / Leandro Prados de la Escosura

Before the Golden Age / Pedro Lains

Inequality and the evolution of institutions of taxation / Kenneth L. Sokoloff and Eric M. Zolt

Financial crises, 1880-1913 / Michael D. Bordo and Christopher M. Meissner

True measure of country risk / Gerardo della Paolera and Martin Grandes

Related lending / Noel Maurer and Stephen Haber

Sudden stops and currency drops / Luis A. V. Catão

Establishing credibility / Sebastian Edwards

Some economic effects of closing the economy / Gerardo Esquivel and Graciela Márquez

Political economy of protectionism / Aurora Gómez-Galvarriato.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

9780226185002

0226185001

OCLC:

77476583

Online:

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description