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What we have learned since Rostow

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  • Bourguignon, François
  • Platteau, Jean-Philippe

Abstract

This short paper is an attempt to highlight the path trodden by development economists and scholars since Rostow published his famous book “The Take-Off into Self-Sustaining Growth”. It proceeds along three major themes: prerequisites or endogenous outcomes; abrupt and gradual changes; and the possibility of non-monotonous development. Its central conclusion is that significant advances have consisted of explorations of incremental changes and their interaction with abrupt shifts, and of applications of political economics to development, including investigations of the political sources of reform stalemate. The authors argue that these new approaches have enabled us to make progress toward a better understanding of the deep factors underpinning development successes or failures, whether temporary or more permanent.

Suggested Citation

  • Bourguignon, François & Platteau, Jean-Philippe, 2026. "What we have learned since Rostow," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:201:y:2026:i:c:s0305750x26000240
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2026.107335
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    References listed on IDEAS

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