Globalisation et Développement

Study Notes

Post-independence, developing countries experienced accelerating population growth (x2.3 between 1953-1990) and widening economic disparities with developed nations, reaching a 1:8 ratio by 1990.

The 1970s witnessed a divergence within the developing world. Some nations maintained growth, while others declined, reflecting varying success in development policies.

Countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong exhibited rapid growth from the 1960s.
Their development strategies focused on export-oriented manufacturing, initially with textiles and later, technologically advanced products.
Favorable global market access was crucial to their success.

The period from 1970 to 2020 is characterized as a period of globalization.
The notion of globalization isn't entirely new; historical waves include the Age of Exploration and the "Belle Époque."
However, the expansion of international trade started significantly earlier than commonly believed, around the 1950s.
Early globalization predominantly featured inter-industry trade; the US's industrial dominance and developing nations' role as primary raw material exporters limited international competition.

Gradual decrease in international barriers (e.g., tariffs) through GATT negotiations facilitated the flow of goods and capital.
Increasing domestic demands in developed nations initially hindered globalization.
The shift from inter-industry to intra-industry trade (e.g., Boeing vs. Airbus) marked the subsequent phase, where firms competed in each other's home markets.

The transition from "inter-industry" to "intra-industry" focused trade created a shift from self-sufficient growth models to competitive ones.
In the post-war era, increases in productivity led to increased investment and consumer spending, eventually leading to a shift in economic policy toward competitiveness.

The "Asian Tigers" are key examples of rapid growth.
China and India later joined the global stage, reaching a technological frontier in several sectors.

The establishment of robust nation-states was a precondition for economic development.
This involved implementing modernization strategies and engaging in international trade to achieve integration with the global economy.
India's independence process was relatively smooth, while China's involved a complex period of civil wars.
Both countries initiated modernization efforts with state-directed economic policies.

China's integration into the global economy occurred in two phases:
- Establishment of special economic zones (SEZs) in the 1970s allowed for a parallel economy alongside state-controlled enterprises.
- Focused on low-value-added manufacturing, particularly in coastal areas, initially benefiting from foreign investment.
The integration allowed China to rapidly address technological gaps.
Initially, China focused on assembling products containing components from other nations, gradually developing its own production capacity.
Eventually, China became a dominant global manufacturer, challenging established players.