Basic Needs and the New International Economic Order. An Opening for North-South Collaboration in the 1980s,
Abstract
In recent years, much of the debate between North and South has focused on the relative merits or effectiveness of two development strategies. The Third World countries have argued that it is the international economic system that must be changed because it is biased against them. A New International Economic Order (NIEO) will be required if a more equitable distribution of wealth, income, and decision-making authority is to be achieved. Others, primarily in the North, argue that the primary objective of economic development efforts is to meet individuals' basic human needs (BHN) and that the focus of development efforts should be achieving sustainable improvements in the living standards of the poorest segments of the developing nations. Despite the controversial nature of both NIEO and BHN, it is possible to incorporate elements of both strategies into a set of principles and proposals that might generate greater North-South cooperation. Reforms, both domestic and international, should aim at increasing both the efficiency and equity of economic systems. When there is a tradeoff between these objectives, it should be noted explicitly. Further research should be carried out on the human impact of international transactions, on the efficacy of development strategies already pursued, and on innovative approaches to improve the negotiating process. Policy recommendations include a series of short-term measures to establish a commitment to greater North-South cooperation, a systematic review of all international systems, and special assistance to the poorest Third World nations, including consideration of a new review mechanism to assess progress made by recipients in meeting the objectives of additional aid.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA095541
Entities
People
- John A. Mathieson
Organizations
- foreign affairs ministry