The Developing Countries and the World Economic Order provides a lucid introduction to the debate about the developing countries and the quest for a New International Economic Order. The primary objective is to indicate some of the fundamental requirements that must be satisfied by an equitable world order.

Since the present economic situation and demands of developing countries cannot be understood thoroughly without prior knowledge of how the present world order has evolved, Part I begins with a detailed historical survey. An account of economic development up to the Second World War and of the colonial heritage of the developing countries is followed by a description of the way in which the postwar world order came into being. Part II analyses more recent developments, including the central demands of developing countries and the background to these demands, and outlines a new perspective on the NIEO programme with suggestions are offered on how the developing countries could secure for themselves a larger share of the world's resources.

A major theme of the book is that important changes in the world order take place irrespective of the recommendations adopted at international conferences.