The Heretical Development Map: An Analysis of Ha-Joon Chang's Thoughts

This article provides a profound analysis of the economic thought of Ha-Joon Chang, one of the most influential critics of contemporary neoliberalism. The text deconstructs Thomas Friedman's "Golden Straitjacket" metaphor, demonstrating that free-market principles imposed on developing countries often hinder their real growth. The author explores the concept of "infant industries" and the historical mechanisms by which today's economic powers built their wealth not through free trade but through active industrial policy and protectionism. The analysis also examines the impact of institutions and culture on the economy, challenging cultural determinism. The reader will learn why the patent system and the TRIPS agreements can be a barrier to innovation in poorer countries and the role reverse engineering has played in development. This is a compelling look at an alternative, "heretical" path to national prosperity.