Examines what is perhaps the most important question in economic and social development today, that is - why is there a rich world and a poor world and what policies can be identified and implemented to address this problem? Examines some of the most important explanations used to explain the different rate and pattern of development within and between countries and regions such as the role of the nation state; particular social structures; patterns of capital accumulation and technological developments and the policy solutions developed from them. The local, national and international institutions through which policy is formulated, implemented, managed and monitored will also be examined. A variety of Latin American, Asian and other case studies will be used to illustrate the issues.