Joan Robinson shows how the economic mechanisms that produce wealth in
the midst of growing misery can be understood. For this purpose she uses
the classical theory of accumulation and the modern theory of
international trade and finance. Her simple but penetrating analysis
illuminates the problems of poverty, accumulation, industrialization and
trade, while exposing misleading conceptions of the Third World.
Throughout the book, general principles are demonstrated with particular
examples, making those principles both clearer and more relevant. The
book's conclusion is that the economic problems of the Third World
remain rooted in deep-seated political conflicts of national and
international interests.