Catch Up analyzes the evolution of developing countries in the world economy from a long-term historical perspective, from the onset of the second millennium but with a focus on the second half of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first century. It is perhaps among the first to address this theme on such a wide canvas that spans both time and space. In doing so, it highlights the dominance of what are now developing countries and it traces their decline and fall from 1820 to 1950. The six decades since 1950 have witnessed an increase in the share of developing countries not only in world population and world income, but also in international trade, international investment, industrial production, and manufactured exports which gathered momentum after 1980. This book explores the factors underlying this fall and rise, to discuss the on-going catch up in the world economy driven by industrialization and economic growth. Their impressive performance, disaggregated analysis shows, is characterized by uneven development. There is an exclusion of countries and people from the process. The catch up is concentrated in a few countries. Growth has often not been transformed into meaningful development that improves the wellbeing of people. Yet, the beginnings of a shift in the balance of power in the world economy are discernible. But developing countries can sustain this rise only if they can transform themselves into inclusive societies where economic growth, human development, and social progress move in tandem. Their past could then be a pointer to their future. "This book is a commendable addition, combing historical and economic analysis, to the current debate on the fast geopolitical changes and the development of a multipolar world. It emphasizes convincingly the need for human development and social change in the process of catch up and challenges the reader thereto." --Rolph van der Hoeven, Journal of Human Development and Capabilities 15/10/15 "Deepak Nayyar is that rare breed of economist who combines a sharp analytical mind with an appreciation of numbers and a clear understanding of how real economies function in a particular institutional and macroeconomic context. These qualities are on full display in this book, which examines some of the big economic trends that have shaped the world economy over the past two centuries. It is a fast and at times breathtaking ride across a broad expanse of economic history, which is sure to engage and stimulate economists, historians and geographers alike." --Richard Kozul-Wright, South Asia Economic Journal "The book attempts to be simultaneously nation-centric, group of nations-centric and people-centric. It is packed with theory, policy and data, based on which several issues are analysed with broad sweep and outstanding depth. It is not only worth reading but worth possessing as a reference document to guide us in asking the right questions and in providing clues to possible answers, in the field of development economics and public policy" --Dr. Y.V. Reddy, former Governor , Reserve Bank of India, Business Standard 23/07/14 "This book will be of interest to anyone interested in the evolution of the world economy. The focus on the role of developing countries in this process provides a new perspective on this important topic. Perhaps the most useful aspect of this book is that it integrates a long history of complex and multifaceted growth experiences across the developing world into a coherent and concise format, making it accessible to a wide audience. Scholars from across the social sciences, policy-makers, students and general readers will all find this book interesting and insightful." --Marianne Ward-Peradoza, EH.Net 02/06/14 "The book is truly a guide to policymakers in developing countries. Across the pages, he [Nayyar] has analysed many issues and given out many observations on the ongoing Development Debate." --K.Subramanian, The Hindu 10/02/14 "For far too long, the world economic history has been told almost exclusively from the point of view of the rich countries. Nayyars book tells it from the other side, tracing the fall and then the rise of Asia, particularly China and India, and other developing countries over centuries. It is an essential reading for anyone who wants to get a balanced understanding of the history of the world economy. The books narrative is literary and engaging, accessible to everyone, but its content is based on rigorous analyses. Its attention to detail is meticulous. Yet, it offers a breath-taking historical sweep. A masterpiece." --Ha-Joon Chang, University of Cambridge, author of Kicking Away the Ladder and 23 Things They Dont Tell You About Capitalism "This book is a brilliant overview of the role of the developing countries in the world economy as it has evolved over the centuries, focusing first on the Great Divergence and Great Specialization from about 1820 to 1950, and then in much greater deta