International Development Economic Associates
C&RL News, November 2005
Vol. 66, No. 10
Access: http://networkideas.org/
Some economists argue that the pattern of high inequality, low growth, and persistent poverty in the southern hemisphere is a direct result of failed neoliberal practices (free trade, privatization, etc.). According to these economic experts, this problem of inequality stems from the neoliberal paradigm preferred by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the U.S. Treasury Department. Moreover this approach is supposed to promote growth, but according to some experts, it largely overlooks the very apparent problem of inequality that it creates.
The International Development Economic Associates (IDEA) seeks to remedy this problem. IDEA is devoted to creating a pluralistic group of progressively heterodox economists. Thus, its overall mission is to challenge the neoliberal orthodoxy, and explore progressive approaches to economic development in underdeveloped or developing countries.
Created in 2002, IDEA achieves this mission by cultivating a network of economic experts who collaborate, assess, research, and develop materials (e.g., research papers, books, lessons, etc.) that emphasize progressive approaches to economic development.
The IDEA Web site is well-organized and users can easily navigate it by clicking on one of the main headings located in the site menu. In addition, IDEA has a list of economic “themes” (e.g., Agriculture, Gender Issues, Finance, etc.) that users may easily access through a dropdown menu.
This site houses generous sections of freely available research papers, articles, and statistics. In addition, there is an expansive list of books and a growing section of educational materials and book reviews. All sections have been updated within the last three years, many within the last year, and much of the information is current.
IDEA defines itself as a “South-based” organization. Thus, one may be led to believe that this site would focus on developing countries south of the equator. However, a review of the organization’s writings reveals an emphasis on developing countries in southern Asia, while a thorough analysis of Latin American countries is lacking.
The IDEA site is recommended primarily for the subject areas of business and economics, though it may also be suitable for political science. College students of all levels, academics, and specialists with an interest in business or economics may find the Web site useful. Not recommended for a general audience.—Brad Matthies, Butler University, bmatthie@butler.edu