Challenges of Economic Growth, Inequality and Conflict in South Asia


Book Description

South Asia''s growing political and economic influence, as well as the dynamism of this rapidly changing region, demands careful examination. Drawing on many areas of expertise and a wide range of perspectives, this book analyses how recent developments in the economic, political and social landscapes of South Asia have affected the region itself as well as its relations with the rest of Asia and the world at large. The book gathers together the papers presented at the 4th International Conference on South Asia held in Singapore in November 2008. It represents the expert knowledge and opinions of prominent academics and world leaders. Whether be it dealing with issues of trade and investment, soft power and cultural influence, or the reduction of poverty, the chapters in this book are both in-depth and rich in broader implications for the South Asian region and beyond. Foreword(s). Foreword (45 KB). Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: Bal Howa Bandhan Kate... India and Its Neighbours (117 KB). Contents: India and Its Neighbours (A Shourie); South Asia: Economic Outlook in the Next Few Decades (S J Burki); Integrating with the World: South Asia Rising OCo Enhancing Trade and Investment (S Kelegama); Reducing Poverty: How Much? How Soon? (P C Patel); Managing Inflation: Key to South Asia''s Economic Progress (S Ahmed); OCyGoing PlacesOCO? Emerging Issues on the Diaspora and Indian International Economic Activity (P Reeves); India''s Soft Power and Cultural Influence (B Debroy); Infrastructure Challenges in South Asia (S Jones & R Attah). Readership: Students and academicians studying and teaching Asian Studies and South Asia in particular; general public interested in South Asia.




Challenges of Economic Growth, Inequality and Conflict in South Asia


Book Description

South Asia's growing political and economic influence, as well as the dynamism of this rapidly changing region, demands careful examination. Drawing on many areas of expertise and a wide range of perspectives, this book analyses how recent developments in the economic, political and social landscapes of South Asia have affected the region itself as well as its relations with the rest of Asia and the world at large. The book gathers together the papers presented at the 4th International Conference on South Asia held in Singapore in November 2008. It represents the expert knowledge and opinions of prominent academics and world leaders. Whether be it dealing with issues of trade and investment, soft power and cultural influence, or the reduction of poverty, the chapters in this book are both in-depth and rich in broader implications for the South Asian region and beyond.




Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa


Book Description

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an economically diverse region. Despite undertaking economic reforms in many countries, and having considerable success in avoiding crises and achieving macroeconomic stability, the region’s economic performance in the past 30 years has been below potential. This paper takes stock of the region’s relatively weak performance, explores the reasons for this out come, and proposes an agenda for urgent reforms.




Accelerating Growth and Job Creation in South Asia


Book Description

This book addresses issues affecting growth and employment in South Asia. It looks at the policies and institutions that could propel the region towards higher growth.




Inequality and Growth


Book Description

Essays exploring the relationship between economic growth and inequality and the implications for policy makers.




Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality


Book Description

This paper analyzes the extent of income inequality from a global perspective, its drivers, and what to do about it. The drivers of inequality vary widely amongst countries, with some common drivers being the skill premium associated with technical change and globalization, weakening protection for labor, and lack of financial inclusion in developing countries. We find that increasing the income share of the poor and the middle class actually increases growth while a rising income share of the top 20 percent results in lower growth—that is, when the rich get richer, benefits do not trickle down. This suggests that policies need to be country specific but should focus on raising the income share of the poor, and ensuring there is no hollowing out of the middle class. To tackle inequality, financial inclusion is imperative in emerging and developing countries while in advanced economies, policies should focus on raising human capital and skills and making tax systems more progressive.




Global Trends 2040


Book Description

"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic marks the most significant, singular global disruption since World War II, with health, economic, political, and security implications that will ripple for years to come." -Global Trends 2040 (2021) Global Trends 2040-A More Contested World (2021), released by the US National Intelligence Council, is the latest report in its series of reports starting in 1997 about megatrends and the world's future. This report, strongly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, paints a bleak picture of the future and describes a contested, fragmented and turbulent world. It specifically discusses the four main trends that will shape tomorrow's world: - Demographics-by 2040, 1.4 billion people will be added mostly in Africa and South Asia. - Economics-increased government debt and concentrated economic power will escalate problems for the poor and middleclass. - Climate-a hotter world will increase water, food, and health insecurity. - Technology-the emergence of new technologies could both solve and cause problems for human life. Students of trends, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists and anyone eager for a glimpse into the next decades, will find this report, with colored graphs, essential reading.




Explaining South Asia's Development Success


Book Description

South Asia has performed well over the past 25 years in reducing poverty, improving human development and increasing growth, but faster progress with poverty reduction will require a higher rate of growth. This book shows that the development performance is not a puzzle but largely explained by good policies. Countries in the region have maintained good macroeconomic environments, opened up their economies to greater domestic and international competition, and reduced the role of corrupt and inefficient public enterprises.




Human Capital Development in South Asia


Book Description

Human capital is an important factor for economic growth in South Asia. Between 1981 and 2010, human capital contributed about 22% of annual gross domestic product per worker growth in India. During the same period, it contributed around 21% in Bangladesh, and 16% in Sri Lanka. However, education and skills remain the binding constraint. Raising the quality of education and skills in South Asia's workforce can play a critical role in catching up to the level of development of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and other successful Southeast Asian economies. This study reviews the development of human capital in South Asia and analyzes contributing factors to human development including policies and strategies that countries in South Asia follow.




Links Between Growth, Inequality, and Poverty: A Survey


Book Description

Is there a tradeoff between raising growth and reducing inequality and poverty? This paper reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on the complex links between growth, inequality, and poverty, with causation going in both directions. The evidence suggests that growth can be effective in reducing poverty, but its impact on inequality is ambiguous and depends on the underlying sources of growth. The impact of poverty and inequality on growth is likewise ambiguous, as several channels mediate the relationship. But most plausible mechanisms suggest that poverty and inequality reduce growth, at least in the long run. Policies play a role in shaping these relationships and those designed to improve equality of opportunity can simultaneously improve inclusiveness and growth.