Interdependentie of afhankelijkheid: De internationale arbeidsverdeling in beweging

Industry restructuring & changes in the international division of labor are common features of modern economic development. However, changes that have taken place in the 1970s, particularly between industrialized & developing countries, are causing profound controversies on both theoretical & political levels. Major factors in industrialized & developing countries that have accelerated the internationalization of capital & production are briefly described. Coinciding push & pull factors have resulted in rapidly increasing export of manufactured goods from developing to industrialized countries. Also described are the forms in which these exports are realized & their economic effect on the development processes of exporting countries. It is concluded that for the majority of developing countries, an export oriented growth strategy will not, at presnt, contribute to a more autonomous & balanced development. This strategy can also have important negative effects for the importing industrialized countries. The dynamics of the industrial relocation process is emphasized; it is argued that a national industrial policy should not be determined exclusively by international advantages but should be directed toward 'national structural preferences,' & consider the needs of developing countries. 1 Table. Modified HA.