Background
Emerging markets refer to economies that are progressing toward more advanced stages of economic development. These economies often exhibit rapid growth and industrialization but are not yet classified among developed nations.
Historical Context
The term “emerging markets” gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, as many previously underdeveloped nations began to show significant economic development through industrialization and liberalization. Prominent examples include countries in East Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe that transformed their economies through strategic reforms.
Definitions and Concepts
Emerging markets are mainly categorized as newly industrialized countries, such as Taiwan or Brazil, or recently liberalized economies, such as Hungary or Poland. These markets are characterized by:
- Rapid economic growth.
- Higher degrees of economic, financial, and political uncertainty.
- Transition phases that include structural reforms and a move toward more open market economies.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economics primarily focused on developed markets but laid groundwork in understanding trade and industrialization, which are crucial for emerging markets.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economics contributes to understanding emerging markets through its emphasis on supply and demand, pricing mechanisms, and market equilibrium.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesian economics helps analyze emerging markets by focusing on government intervention, fiscal policies, and aggregate demand, which are critical during transitional economic phases.
Marxian Economics
Marxian economics offers insights into the social and economic classes and labor relations within emerging markets, especially pertinent in newly industrializing economies.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economics investigates the role of institutions—such as legal frameworks, governance, and financial systems—in the development and stability of emerging markets.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economics is important for understanding the individual and collective decision-making processes that can be unpredictable in emerging markets due to higher uncertainty.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesian theories are instrumental in addressing income distribution, economic instability, and financial crises, which are common concerns for emerging markets.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economics’ focus on individual choice, the role of entrepreneurs, and criticisms of central planning contribute to understanding the market dynamics and governmental structures in emerging markets.
Development Economics
Development economics particularly focuses on policies, strategies, and socioeconomic development that are integral to transforming emerging markets into developed economies.
Monetarism
Monetarism helps in analyzing the role of monetary policy, control of inflation, and the impact of central banking in the transitioning phases of emerging markets.
Comparative Analysis
Emerging markets differ significantly from developed markets in terms of growth rates, levels of industrialization, capital markets’ depth, and susceptibility to economic shocks. Comparative studies involve analyzing these dimensions to understand different pathways of economic development.
Case Studies
- Taiwan: Transformation through technology and industrialization.
- Brazil: Economic growth through diversification and resource utilization.
- Hungary: The shift from a centrally planned to a market economy post-liberalization.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Emerging Markets Century” by Antoine van Agtmael
- “Breakout Nations” by Ruchir Sharma
- “Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson
Related Terms with Definitions
- Newly Industrialized Countries (NICs): Nations that have begun to experience high industrial growth and exhibit characteristics like better-developed infrastructure.
- Liberalized Economy: Economies that have recently undergone deregulation to allow for private enterprise and reduced governmental control.
- Market Economy: An economy primarily driven by supply and demand with minimal governmental intervention.
