Leapfrogging Development?

J. P. Singh is Assistant Professor at the School of International Service, American University.

"Singh … deftly dissects the faults of supply–side studies and presents his country–specific analysis. His penchant for tables to highlight arguments helps one keep an eye on the larger argument while following the many specific demand–side pressures in each country." — Journal of Communication"…this book is highly recommended … it will be seen as making a significant contribution to the political economy of telecommunications specifically and development studies more generally." — Science Direct"The book will be an important addition to the literature on economic development because of its focus on telecommunications infrastructure, that is increasingly viewed as crucial to economic competitiveness in a globalizing world economy. It is likely to be particularly interesting to specialists in the politics of information technology and economic development, but it also addresses broader issues such as globalization, that are generating high scholarly interest in all the social sciences."—Jeffrey A. Hart, Indiana University

• List of Tables, Figures, Map, and Boxes Important Terms Abbreviations Preface Part IThe Political Economy of Restructuring Chapter 1Introduction The QuestionsThe Leapfrogging ThesisThe Argument In BriefThe PlanThe Importance Chapter 2The Argument Explained The Context for Telecommunications RestructuringThe Political Economy of TelecommunicationsConclusion Part IITelecommunications Restructuring in Seven Countries Chapter 3Telecommunications Restructuring in Catalytic and Near-Catalytic States Catalytic States: Singapore, South KoreaNear-Catalytic States: Mexico, MalaysiaConclusion Chapter 4Telecommunications Restructuring in Dysfunctional and Predatory States Dysfunctional States: China, BrazilPredatory States: MyanmarConclusion Part IIITelecommunications Provision and Restructuring in India: 1851–1998 Chapter 5Indian Telecommunications: Shadow of the Empire, 1851–1984 Colonial CommunicationsThe State of the State (1947–1984)Slow Growth and Entrenched Interests in Telecommunications: 1950–85Demand for Telecommunications Services Since the Mid-1970sConclusion Chapter 6Indian Telecommunications: Service Enhancement, 1984-91 The Indian State (1984–91)Major Policy Changes and ChallengesService EnhancementLiberalization of ManufacturingConclusion Chapter 7Indian Telecommunications: Privatization and Liberalization, 1991–98 The Indian State (1991–98)Growing Demands for Services and RestructuringMajor Policy ChangesServices Privatization and ProvisionConclusion Part IVConclusion Chapter 8 The Myth and the Reality of Leapfrogging The Myths of LeapfroggingThe "Reality" of Political-Economic Context Notes References Index