Trajectories, convergence and divergence in economic development

In this paper we intend to discuss the relationship between long term development trajectories, which in principle can be expected to affect the functioning of all economic systems, and the deviations which can be expected to occur at a local level in particular countries or regions. We will first discuss this relationship at a very general level in terms of the forces and factors which can affect the convergence and divergence of separate but interacting economic systems at the national or regional level. Subsequently we will analyse the implications of the different existing theories of international trade for the convergence of divergence of the economic systems of different countries . Finally we will take into account the trajectories which can be empirically identified in long run economic development and the deviations which can be detected in particular countries