Latin American Economic Development

摘要

In their book, Javier Reyes and Charles Sawyer stress that Latin America covers a vast area and includes a population of over half a billion people. Therefore, they say, offering a general explanation that accounts for the variables contributing to and/or constraining economic growth proves difficult. While so lamenting, the authors also seek to explain the relatively slow growth rates in per-capita GDP. "Sadly," they conclude, "there is no simple or certain answer" (p. 13). The authors, however, do note common features that render the vast region of Central and South America -- including Mexico, north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec -- homogenous enough to be explained by some general principles. This focus provides the foundation for their book.