Minns argues that the industrial transformations of Mexico, South Korea and Taiwan were based on the existence of powerful developmentalist states in each. It explores the origins of such states and their dynamics and connects the form of autonomy they enjoy within their countries to the policies they pursue.

JOHN MINNS teaches International Political Economy at the Australian National University, Australia. He has published on questions associated with the political economy of development, on the labour movement in developing countries and on the plight of refugees.