First published in 1919, this book traces the growth of War Debt during the First World War, examines the real meaning of the Debt and discusses the proposals for clearing it. As the chief contemporary proposal put forward for meeting the interest and repaying the principal of the Debt was the "Conscription of Wealth", or the "Capital Levy", this provides a main focus for the analysis. The author also examines whether the methods of financing war - by borrowing the required money - is sound and whether it should be replaced by taxation. A plan for the reform of income tax is put forward, designed to yield two-thirds of the revenue needed for a Peace Budget that also addresses the War Debt.

Published in 1997, this book traces the development of European Food Aid Policy from its inception in the 1960s through to the 1990s. This covers the change from a surplus disposal programme in the early days to the present policy. The European Food Aid Policy is one of the few areas of development policy that is European rather than national in character. John Cathie therefore also examines the links forged with non-governmental organizations at an international level, for food aid and humanitarian operations.

Housing markets were at the centre of the recent global financial turmoil. In this study, a multidisciplinary group of leading housing analysts from the USA, Europe, Asia and Australasia explore the impact of the crisis within and between countries.

In recent years the field of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models has emerged as the central field of macroeconomics. These models give a unified treatment of growth and fluctuations in a general equilibrium framework where all agents behave rationally. A particularly successful part of this field introduces imperfect competition and nonclearing markets into this framework, which also leads to the study of problems like unemployment. This timely volume gives a full account of the field, starting with the various general equilibrium traditions that ultimately led to this research area, and then describing the evolution of the models, with special emphasis on how they succeeded in representing features of dynamics that other models failed to reproduce. This collection will be an invaluable source of reference for professors and graduate students specializing in macroeconomics. It should also be of interest to students of the history of economic thought, as it shows how apparently antagonistic subfields ended up merging to produce a better synthetic theory.

In contemporary non-mainstream economic debate, it is widely thought that the functioning of a market economy needs a set of rules (i.e. institutions) which bind agents in their behaviour, allowing efficient outcomes. This idea is contrary to the General Equilibrium Model (GEM) where markets are pictured as working in an institutional vacuum and where social and historical variables play no role. However, in more recent times, a large group of economists have begun to insert social and moral variables into standard models based on the rational choice paradigm, following the increasing interest - on the part of firms - in the possible positive effects of adopting ethical codes. In this key new text Guglielmo Davanzati studies this burgeoning view that ethics and economics can be compatible. Does 'morality' affect income distribution? And, if so, what are the effects of the widespread adoption of ethical codes on the functioning of the labour market? Central to Davanzati's efforts is the thesis that the roots of these new developments can be traced back to the pioneering work of Thorstein Veblen and John Bates Clark. Utilizing their contrasting works, Davanzati's text illuminates the propagation of ethical codes within the two opposing frameworks i.e. the neoclassical and the institutional. Davanzati's important book will be an invaluable reference for readers interested in history of economic thought, economics and moral philosophy.

Published in 1999, the book is the proceedings volume of the 23rd International Conference of Agricultural Economists, held in Sacramento, California, in August 1997. It continues the series of triennial IAAE conferences.

First published in 1999. Firms in manufacturing industries are influenced by the market-oriented liberalization reform policies in many developing countries since the late eighties. However, studies applying appropriate methodology to appropriate data seldom analyze the impact of reforms on the performance of production units such as manufacturing firms. The central point of this book is to address this issue by comparing firms' achievement with 'best practice' performance before and after reforms. This form of analysis is not new but it emphasizes a new focus or realignment of thinking within neoclassical economics to develop an analytical framework. This book examines the productivity growth of Bangladesh manufacturing firms as component measures of changes in capacity realization and technical progress. The significant feature of this approach is that it allows for the inefficiency of firms, and thus productivity growth is estimated rather than taking it as a residual as is usually measured in the traditional growth accounting approach. High rates of technological progress, on the one hand, can co-exist with low rates of capacity realization. On the other hand, relatively low rates of technological progress can co-exist with an improving capacity realization. As a result specific policy actions are required to address the difference in the sources of variation in productivity. In this respect this book would provide invaluable insights for policy makers, development practitioners, academics and students of economics.

First published in 1997, this edited volume emerged in response to Zambia's recent reinstatement of multiparty democracy and its ensuing economic, social policy and public administrative reform. Following the establishment of the single party state under the United National Independence Party in 1972, a severe decline in the price of copper (Zambia's principle export) resulted in high national debt and increasing riots. This volume situates itself in response to the transition from the UNIP to the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), seeing it as a verdict delivered by the people. Its authors aim to explore the causes of this verdict through areas such as financial innovation, land policy, the health industry and universities. They thoroughly examine the attempts and potential pitfalls of the reform programme as well as its impact on Zambian society. The general conclusion reached by the contributors to this volume is that while the reform programme is a necessary condition for economic rebirth its details require careful consideration in order to ensure it has the desired socio-economic impact on the people of Zambia. This should also serve as an important example to other countries embarking on similar programmes of reform.

Any economics that does not deal forthrightly with economic inequality is no longer suitable for the twenty-first century. Similarly, any economics which does not provide a coherent way to integrate environmental sustainability into economic analysis will fail to command allegiance in the century ahead. This book demonstrates how the Sraffian framework provides important advantages in both areas. Divided into three chapters, Income Distribution and Environmental Sustainability provides a rigorous exposition of Sraffian theory emphasizing what it means for the economy to be productive, extends Sraffian theory to address environmental sustainability, and adds a normative theory of income distribution to Sraffa's positive theory. In Chapter 1, a rigorous version of the basic Sraffa model is presented which focuses on what it means for the economy to be capable of producing a physical surplus, explains the origin of profits, and shows how to measure changes in overall labor productivity resulting from any technical change. In Chapter 2, the basic model is extended to incorporate primary inputs from the natural environment, rigorously measure changes in environmental throughput efficiency, and establish sufficient conditions for environmental sustainability. In Chapter 3, an explicit "normative" theory of economic justice is elaborated which is a natural extension of Sraffa's "positive" theory of income determination and consistent with modern egalitarian literature on distributive justice. This book is of interest to academics and students who study political economy, economic theory, and philosophy, as well as those interested in the work of Piero Sraffa.

Contrary to common belief, macroeconomics is not merely a theory of aggregates, and cannot be constructed from individual behaviour. Both nationally and internationally, there are economic laws that are logically independent of economic agentsa (TM) behaviour. These are the macroeconomic foundations of macroeconomics.

Presenting cutting-edge material, Alvaro Cencini explores these foundations, and shows that the introduction of money entails economics being interpreted conceptually not mathematically. His innovative book provides the elements for a new approach by applying the most recent results of monetary analysis to the study of national and international economics. It covers recent progress in monetary theory, provides the reader with a greater understanding of the subject, and will be essential reading for economic students as well as a valuable resource for economists.

The Distribution of Wealth is the first book to provide a comprehensive treatment of the personal distribution of wealth. Michael Schneider uses data from fifteen countries to demonstrate how inequality in the distribution of wealth both varies between different parts of the world and changes over time, before going on to discuss why the distribution of wealth is unequal, whether it should be unequal, and how it could be changed. The book focuses on: * alternative ways of measuring the degree to which distribution is unequal * assessment of the relative importance of the various determinants of the distribution of wealth * comparison of the distributions implied by alternative views of society * discussion of means by which the distribution of wealth could be altered, and of whether or not a redistribution in a less unequal direction would in time reduce the amount of wealth available to be distributed. This book will be valued and read with interest by economists, particularly those in the fields of welfare economics, distribution theory, heterodox economics and the history of economic thought, as well as sociologists, political scientists and philosophers.

Following on from The Why of Consumption, this book examines motivational factors in diverse consumption behaviours. In a world where consumption has become the defining phenomenon of human life and society, it addresses the effects of critical life events on consumption motives, and the sociological and intergenerational influences on consumer motives and preferences. Its cross-disciplinary approach brings together some of the leading scholars from diverse subject areas to examine the central question about consumption: 'why?'. Topics include: * the interplay between the heart and the mind in what consumers desire * hedonic, utilitarian, and variety-seeking motives * implications of a promotion versus prevention focus in consumer decision-making * motives for engaging in socially undesirable consumer behaviours * how individual consumers, communities and cultures come to value brands, fashion goods, and objects of art * inter-generational as well as information age influences on the motives underlying consumers' identities, both present and future. asset for all those involved in researching, teaching or studying consumption and consumer behaviour.

Following on from The Why of Consumption, this book examines motivational factors in diverse consumption behaviours. In a world where consumption has become the defining phenomenon of human life and society, it addresses the effects of critical life events on consumption motives, and the sociological and intergenerational influences on consumer motives and preferences. Its cross-disciplinary approach brings together some of the leading scholars from diverse subject areas to examine the central question about consumption: a ~why?a (TM).

This is a unique and invaluable contribution to the area, and an essential asset for all those involved in researching, teaching or studying consumption and consumer behaviour.

This book introduces readers to some key concepts in post-Keynesian and heterodox economics, in particular the importance of finance in relation to income distribution and growth. The book explores various aspects of financialization, such as its role in pension funds, and explores its consequences especially in developing economies. Readers will recognize other key concepts such as the role of banks, and the effectiveness of monetary policy and its transmission mechanism, and unconventional policies, such as quantitative easing. Considerable space is given to income inequality, a topic that has become increasingly important. Authors explore the growing importance of household debt, and policies that could address inequality. Finally, the book discusses the rising importance of dualism, a much under-researched topic in heterodox economics. Policy makers and scholars alike, especially those in Heterodox Economics, will find the book a much need addition to the field.

Now revised and updated to reflect critical changes in economic policy since the last edition, Macroeconomic Issues Today, Eighth Edition, provides Conservative, Liberal, and Radical interpretations and solutions for seven current macroeconomic issues, including all-new coverage of the Social Security debate. An instructor's manual with a test bank and discussion questions is available to professors who adopt the text, and PowerPoint downloads are available as teaching aids.

This book is the first to be dedicated entirely to the European Semester -- a new framework for policy coordination across European Union (EU) member states. The Semester represents a major advancement in EU governance. Created in 2010 in the wake of the financial and sovereign debt crises and revamped in 2015, it was intended to provide a new socio-economic governance architecture to coordinate national policies without transferring legal sovereignty to EU level. The papers in this collection are written by authors who have already contributed to this literature and have conducted original research for their studies. The book offers an empirical and theoretical assessment of the European Semester, examining its implications along three critical axes, running respectively between the economic and the social, the supranational and the intergovernmental, and the technocratic and democratic poles of EU governance. The book concludes that the European Semester challenges established theoretical understandings of EU governance, as it is a prime example of the complexity that supersedes simple polar oppositions. The chapters were originally published in a special issue of the Journal of European Public Policy.

Economics has often been described as "the dismal science," with TV and movies reinforcing this description. However, economics is a powerful tool that can be used to understand how the world works, helping to answer confusing puzzles and solve the world's problems. Surprisingly, Broadway musicals are an excellent way to show this. Musicals tell engaging stories through song and many are rich with economic concepts. This book analyzes 161 songs from 90 musicals to explore what they can teach us about supply and demand, monetary policy and numerous other core economic concepts. While some songs have an obvious connection to economics, other connections may seem less apparent. When you hear "Let it Go" from Frozen, does your mind think about a firm's production decisions? After reading this book, it will. Whether showing how Hamilton can illustrate concepts of central banking, or how "Stars" from Les Miserables provides a perfect example of inelastic demand, the author presents complicated topics in an understandable and entertaining way. Featuring classic songs from some of the most popular shows ever produced, along with some hidden gems, Broadway and Economics will be of interest to anybody studying an introductory economics course as well as theatre aficionados.

As globalization progresses, exchange rates have become increasingly wedded to internal and external economic policies. This edited collection tackles four key questions in this important and growing area:
How much emphasis should be placed on the exchange rate when setting policy?
*What is the success or otherwise, of different approaches to modeling exchange rates?
*What determines capital flows and their impact?
*What should policy makers do about monetary policy and capital flows?
It is well understood that within open economies the choice of exchange rate, capital mobility and monetary policies cannot be fully independent. Given the strong connections between the themes in this volume, it is no surprise that many of the chapters address multiple and interlocking ideas. Several contributions consider the links between exchange rate policy and monetary policy, including the costs and benefits of fixing the exchange rate. The factors that determine exchange rate movements and their impact is discussed in several of the essays, as are capital mobility, external assets and their policy implications. The success of intervention in the foreign exchange market, which has implications for portfolio choices and capital flows, is also a key area of exploration.
Combining thorough scholarship with illuminating real-world examples, the contributors and editors have produced a volume of use to academics and economists. This volume provides insights on the causes and consequences of movements in both exchange rates and external assets and has a strong focus on the policy implications of operating in an open economy, particularly the choice of exchange rate and monetary policy, exchange rate intervention and policies on capital mobility.

This title was first published in 2003. Based on a blend of knowledge and perspectives from a variety of disciplines this volume examines the human-environment interaction in Africa, with a focus on the economic, social and political processes that generate environmental change and problems in this region. Currently there are controversies over and challenges to such concepts and issues as environment-human relationships, ecological resilience, decertification, sustainable development, globalization and North-South dialogue. This book draws upon past and present research findings to discuss these issues. It features: an examination of the characteristics, processes and patterns of environmental crises; an analysis of the principal issues and challenges facing policy makers and implementers; and the promotion of awareness of theoretical, empirical and comparative research. The volume not only seeks to answer some of the old questions, but also open up new ones for further discussion.

Based on case-study research in four low income sub-Saharan African countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi) this book brings together the micro-level realities of gaining a living in rural areas with the macro-level that seek to secure rapid poverty reduction in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of halving global poverty by the year 2015.
The starting point is the livelihoods approach to poverty reduction that providesa powerful framework within which micro-level experiences of poverty and vulnerability can be connected to the policy contexts that either block or facilitate people's own efforts to escape from poverty. Initial chapters provide evidence concerning the multiple and diverse character of rural livelihoods. The book then goues on to examine the institutional context of livelihoods, including decentralisation, taxation, markets, land tenure and agricultural research. The natural resource dimensions of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, small-scale irrigation and community-based natural resource management policies are then analysed. The concluding chapters consider micro-macro linkages, including linking micro-level poverty traps to Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers; incorporating rural poverty measurement in such strategies; and tracing macro-micro links.
This book exposes the gap that occurs between the rhetoric of poverty reduction strategies in capital cities and the practice of public sector delivery in rural areas. It will be essential reading for advanced students and researchers in the fields of rural development, rural livelihoods, poverty reduction strategies and Sub-Saharan Africa development as well as advisors andpractitioners in international organizations.

The book is motivated by the disruptions introduced by the financial crisis and the many attempts that have followed to propose new ideas and remedies. Assembling contributions by authors from a variety of backgrounds, this collection illustrates the potentials resulting from the marriage of financial economics, complexity theory and an out-of-equilibrium view of the economic world. Challenging the traditional hypotheses that lie behind financial market functioning, new evidence is provided about the hidden factors fuelling bubbles, the impact of agents' heterogeneity, the importance of endogeneity in the information transmission mechanism, the dynamics of herding, the sources of volatility, the portfolio optimization techniques, the financial innovation and the trend identification in a nonlinear time-series framework. Presenting the advances made in financial market analysis, and putting emphasis on nonlinear dynamics, this book suggests interdisciplinary methodologies for the study of well-known stylised facts and financial abnormalities. This book was originally published as a special issue of The European Journal of Finance.

First published in 1999, this influential volume explores Macroeconomic Adjustment with a particular focus on India. Its inspiration originated from the introduction of stabilisation and structural adjustment policies in India in 1991. Mallick examines the application of this policy package by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to Developing Economies. First looking at the initial conditions and generators of imbalances, the appropriate policy framework for India's initial conditions and structural characteristics is considered. While the effectiveness of the IMF had been strongly criticised, Mallick explains how it could be used more effectively. He argues that the programs applied are often contradictory and, using India as an example, examines the effects of policy reform on its trade sector, the repercussions on the direct economy and the costs associated with such policies in restoring stability and future economic growth, with particular support for the Vector Autoregression (VAR) framework. Mallick forwards a new structural model for policy purposes, evaluated for overall performance and optimal control.

Does economic theory, and its many practical applications, rest on concrete foundations? Given the influence and prestige afforded to orthodox economic policy advice, apparently the answer is a resounding "yes."
Economists Frank Ackerman and Alejandro Nadal present a fundamental challenge to this received wisdom, demonstrating that neither the abstractions of general equilibrium nor their real-world consequences, stand up to logical scrutiny. Themes critically analyzed in this book include:
* Economics' assumptions about consumer behavior
* Individual choices and the role of money
* The Application of economic theory to current debates in globalization, trade and development.
"The Flawed Foundations of General Equilibrium Theory "shows that there are fatal flaws in the standard theoretical model of a market economy. As such it will be an enlightening read for economists throughout the world of all persuasions.

Perhaps more than any other European country, Spain has undergone a remarkable transformation in the post-war period. To the surprise of many, it has succeeded in making the leap from a predominantly agricultural and politically repressed country, to a modern European democracy with a diversified economy containing important manufacturing and service sectors. Yet, despite the fact that at the beginning of the twenty-first century Spain is the world's eighth largest economy, old stereotypes that see the Iberian nation as an inflexible, unchanging society, persist. As such, scholars will welcome this new study which challenges the picaresque and outdated notions of Spanish economic development, replacing them with a picture of rapid and profound modernization. Building upon the recent work of historians and economists, the authors provide a thoughtful and compelling overview of the subject that clearly elucidates both the positive and negative aspects of modern Spanish development. Thus, as well as charting the undoubted successes achieved, persistent problems - most notably high unemployment - are also explored. Written in a straightforward and engaging manner, this book engages with research from a wide variety of disciplines, and will be of interest to anyone with a specific interest in modern Spain, or a wider interest in economic development within the framework of the European Union.

This important and timely book examines how corporate governance has and should be developed in China to meet the challenges of enterprise and financial reform. It highlights key economic, social and political issues that China has to confront in order to transform the state owned industrial enterprises into a competitive and modern corporate sector. On Kit Tam critically appraises the main analytical frameworks and models of corporate governance in industrialized countries. He then assesses China's development in terms of current Western debates in relation to the role, function and evolution of corporate governance arrangements. He examines how the Chinese government has adopted a top-down approach combined with a market based Anglo-American model. The author also presents surveys of company directors, managers and supervisors reporting the current environment and analyses the choices available in the light of China's particular problems. He concludes with suggestions for a model of corporate governance in China. This book will be welcomed by economists and those interested in management studies, Chinese reform, international business, Asian studies, industrial organization and business strategy.