From Classical Economics to Development Economics

Most development economists are versed only in the post-World War II period of their subject. But economic growth was a major concern in the 18th century, and colonial economics and policy commanded much attention in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. A return to these earlier concerns can now provide present-day development economists with a greater appreciation of the intellectual history of their subject. Even more, such a return might strengthen the conceptual and empirical found…