This book compares the experiences of the Philippines and Vietnam to gain insight into how openness to trade and financing can increase prosperity. In contrast, theoretical and empirical work in the 20th and early 21st centuries have returned mixed results regarding this assertion. The book also...

Part I -- 1 Introduction -- Aim and Contribution -- Case Study Approach -- References -- 2 The Role of Agriculture in Economic Development -- Agriculture for Development -- Agricultural Development -- References -- 3 The Role of the State in Agricultural Development -- Agricultural Policies --...

1. Origins of the economy as collective activity -- 2. Custom and path-dependence. Social capital as accumulation factor -- 3. The role of the state in economic development -- 4. Competition in Enlightenment economists -- 5. On the productiveness of welfare expenditures -- 6. Keynesian Policy...