Understanding divergences in development
Europe is a heterogeneous continent of nations and regions which have had very different development paths over the last few centuries. Europe's relationship with the rest of the world, like Latin America and Asia for example, from pre-colonial times until today, has also been very varied in this context. Issues such as urbanisation, gender roles and development have all been shaped by these divergences and relationships in radical ways. The EU-funded 'Historical patterns of development and underdevelopment: origins and persistence of the great divergence' (HI-POD) project wants to advance our knowledge regarding the causes of European development and underdevelopment. It will do so by quantifying the relative growth experiences of the European core, its surrounding regions and other continents. HI-POD researchers are examining interrelationships of these regions from the Middle Ages until today, analysing the intra-regional and inter-regional causes of the regions' divergent trends. Understanding the 'great' and 'little' divergences between north-west Europe and the rest of Europe, as well as between Europe and the rest of the world has its challenges. One of these involves the task of gathering and analysing information from the pre-1800 period, keeping in mind that much work must also be done in quantifying post-1800 performance elsewhere. The project is thus exploring the relations between world regions and the factors shaping different development paths from a historical perspective. It is focusing on the experiences of Africa, Asia and Latin America, drawing not only upon European-based scholars but also on a Latin American partner to this end. In more specific terms, HI-POD is looking at European development transition from circa 1300 AD. It is quantifying development over the long run of Europe vs. Asia, as well as African and Latin American economic performance. The project is subsequently mapping Europe's growth transition, looking also at gender, demography and development. Particular attention is being given to divergences in this respect between the core of Europe vs its periphery, including implications for each region and ways for the periphery to catch up. HI-POD is producing a number of research papers in this context, with at least 1 paper for each of its 30 topics. It is also producing policy publications, comprising one paper for each of the seven HI-POD work packages, plus a final policy report. All these results are being disseminated through several research conferences with the ultimate goal of strengthening policy in Europe by helping development gain ground where needed. The end result will be a stronger, more viable continent with solutions based on in-depth historical and analytical study.
