Is Geography Destiny? Lessons from Latin America

by Press, Stanford University; Gallup, John Luke; Gaviria, Alejandro; Lora, Eduardo

• ISBN13: 9780821354513
• ISBN10: 0821354515
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-08-04
• Publisher: World Bank Publications

Summary

This publication challenges the premise that geographical influences need not be taken into account in economic development issues. It argues that, based on a better understanding of geography, public policy can help control or channel its influence toward the goals of economic and social development and poverty reduction. Using both an international perspective and a case study approach for individual countries, the book examines geographical factors, such as land productivity, the presence of endemic diseases, natural disaster frequency and market access, in order to explore development inequalities between and within Latin American countries. It also considers policy options for overcoming the limitations of geography for the region.

Author Biography

John Luke Gallup is an independent economic researcher studying problems of poverty, geography, and health in developing countries Alejandro Gaviria is the deputy director of the Planning Department in Colombia Eduardo Lora is the principal adviser of the Research Department of the Inter-American Development Bank

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
Introduction: Is Geography Destiny?	1	(2)
Determinism and Fatalism	3	(2)
Three Viewpoints	5	(2)
The Channels of Influence of Geography: Latin American from an International Perspective	7	(62)
The Diverse Geographical Regions of Latin America	8	(6)
History	14	(14)
Geography and Development	28	(30)
Will Geography Matter in the Future?	58	(8)
Notes	66	(3)
The Other Side of the Mountain: The Influence of Geography within Countries	69	(62)
Mexico	71	(7)
Bolivia	78	(12)
Colombia	90	(14)
Peru	104	(11)
Brazil	115	(11)
Conclusions	126	(1)
Notes	127	(4)
Policies to Overcome the Limitations of Geography	131	(18)
Regional Development	131	(3)
Research and Technology	134	(6)
Information and Market Signals	140	(3)
Urban Policies	143	(2)
Spatial Organization	145	(3)
Notes	148	(1)
Abbreviations and Acronyms	149	(2)
Bibliography	151	(12)
Index	163