The Great Divergence: Hegemony, Uneven Development, and Global Inequality

One of two self-contained companion volumes, this unusual collection surveys the transformation of the major regions of the South, during the course of the ‘long twentieth century’. Individual essays examine the transformation of particular regions of the South, highlighting not only the uneven development in the region, but also the unequal relations between North and South, often, but not necessarily, associated with political dimensions during the period from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Eminent historians from the South provide insightful surveys of the transformation of Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and India in this period. These regional surveys show the continuing significance of economic hegemony, as well as its implications for economic development and performance during a period when the North-South economic gap grew. Other essays challenge received wisdom about the notion of the mode of production in the analysis of imperialism as well as Lenin’s treatment of the subject. For its panoramic grasp of issues relevant to the history of colonialism, this remarkable collection will attract students of economics, history, development studies, and world politics.