The dramatic industrial transformation of a small number of countries since the Second World War has provoked a variety of responses. For some, the appearance of these Newly Industrialising Countries (NICs) has been a verification of their faith in the ability of world capitalism to raise the incomes of the poor. However, this generally optimistic, pro-capitalist outlook has been soured by two factors. The first is the rarity of the NICs - the limitation of the economic "miracles" to relatively small sections of the world's population. The second is that each of them has, at different times and to different degrees, disappointed its supporters - ceasing to post high growth rates and even suffering major economic crises. Their rankings in the global hierarchy of economic power have fallen as a result. While some have recovered well, none are now considered that "miracles" they once were.

This course provides an overview of the transformation of four countries - South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico and Brazil - each of which has been considered, at various times, to have been a "miracle" economy. However, it will not be primarily an economic history. Rather it will investigate the connections between local culture, social and political structures and rapid economic growth. A particular focus will be on the international political and economic circumstances in which these "miracles" occurred. These developments will be placed in the context both of older industrialisations - particularly those which took place in Europe and Japan - and of the continuing poverty of "third world" societies today. We will also look at the crises which have, at times, thrown these "miracles" into reverse

2,500 word essay (50%) and final examination (50%).

Expected - attendance and participation in a two hour lecture followed by a one-hour forum each week

Voluntary - attendance and participation each in a three hour session which may include one of the following -

(i) a background lecture and discussion on matters related to but not essential to the course;

(ii) a film relevant to the course followed by discussion;

(iii) consultations to discuss essay topics.

Two first year courses in Political Science, or with the permission of the lecturer.

A reading brick will be made available to students.

Gilbert Rist, The History of Development: From Western Origins to Global Faith, London: Zed Boks, 1997

Linda Weiss and John Hobson, States and Economic Development, Cambridge: Polity Press, 1995

The Politics of Developmentalism, Houndsmills [U.K]: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006