New Interpretations on the Life and Ideas of Raúl Prebisch (1901-1986)

Abstract

E dgar Dosman's The life and times of Raúl Prebisch (1901Prebisch ( -1986' is the kind of book that might catch the attention of scholars working within different agendas, research interests and disciplines. Those interested in Latin American history and politics will probably note how Dosman underlines Raúl Prebisch's contributions -both as an intellectual and as a policymaker -to regional and international debates on development and modernization in the Global South. The impact of Dosman's work on the current debates on development, economic growth, and international trade in the face of the emerging countries phenomenon is also worth mentioning. These subjects are more controversial and highly disputed than ever and Dosman's biography on Prebisch's life and ideas could contribute to enhance the quality and diversity of current debates.On the other hand, scholars working on the emergence of the social sciences in Latin America and the Third World will find Dosman's narrative on Prebisch's role in building up a network of young social scientists during his administration in the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America worthy of notice. Some of the most actively engaged economists and social scientists in the UNECLA were key public intellectuals and/ or politicians and decision-makers in their home countries -for example, Celso Furtado, Fernando Henrique Cardoso and Juan Noyola, to name but a few.