North-South Interdependence, Development and Trade

This paper discusses issues arising from development centred on the satisfaction of basic needs, and more generally, questions of distribution and of North-South relations. A critical review is made of prevalent approaches to development and trade, which are based on economic theories that disregard some of the most important aspect of interdependence at present. An economic model of trade and distribution for another development is discussed, which model emerges from recent work. It questions the role of the international market as an "engine of growth" and reavaluate some of the more wide-spread economic notions on the role of this market in shaping distribution of wealth among the regions and within them. The results may explain the persistence of certain patterns of inequality and of international division of labour which support them. Policy conclusions for more equal distribution, and more efficient and self-sustaining development patterns are briefly discussed