This unique book provides a comprehensive survey of the major economic issues that have helped shape the modern world. It includes discussions of the latest research findings in the international economic development literature and scrutinises some of the most important debates in contemporary economics. Brian Snowdon examines the many controversies relating to long-run growth and development, problems of transitions from socialism to capitalism, international competitiveness and the impacts of globalisation.

This work delves behind prevailing textbook portrayals of macroeconomics and introduces the reader to the theoretical and ideological controversies at the heart of the subject. The introduction sets the essays, which take the form of conversations with known figures in the field, in context.