The Round Table invites submissions of essays for a forthcoming issue exploring the Caribbean’s intellectual contributions to the history of economic thought. This special issue aims to highlight how Caribbean scholars have shaped key economic theories on economic development, externally propelled growth, endogenous money in open economies and regional integration.
A.P. Thirlwall is widely credited with developing the balance of payments constrained growth theory, with Roy Harrod’s foreign trade multiplier recognized as an important precursor. However, what is less well known is that early research on import-constrained economic growth, published in Social and Economic Studies during the 1950s–1960s, laid much of the groundwork for this open economy theory of economic growth.
Similarly, the now extensive body of work on contractionary devaluations builds on an argument that was long apparent to Caribbean scholars – namely, that nominal exchange rate devaluations could undermine economic performance. A handful of writers in the region were among the first to develop this idea.
W. Arthur Lewis’ seminal paper, ‘Economic Development with Unlimited Supplies of Labour’, sparked a global conversation on structural transformation and economic development and we invite contributions that further advance this research agenda.
Additionally, before the current discourse on global value chains, Caribbean scholars such as Clive Y Thomas and Havelock Brewster, were at the forefront of research on production integration. However, unlike modern discussions, their focus was on the development of regional markets – laying the foundation for a theory of regional integration among developing economies.
The Round Table welcomes submissions that situate Caribbean contributions within the broader global discourse, illustrating their influence on modern economic research. Articles should also identify gaps in the existing literature or propose new research avenues for a new generation of scholars.
We invite contributions on, but not limited to, the following topics:
1. Theories of long-term economic growth in open economies
2. The role of technology and innovation in economic development
3. Dual economy and economic transformation
4. Production and regional integration
5. Theories of central banking and money in open economies
6. Incomes policy and economic stabilization in open economies
7. Institutions and governance in economic development
8. Growth and distribution in open economies.
Interested authors can submit essays of approximately 2,000 words (excluding endnotes and references), together with a short bio to Professor Sue Onslow (sue.onslow@kcl.ac.uk) copied to Dr. Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow (dianna.dasilva-glasgow@uog.edu.gy) by 1 July 2025. Successful submissions will be peer reviewed, and the authors notified.
We look forward to your contributions.
(Note: Submitted papers must not have been published elsewhere.)
Early career scholars, particularly those in Commonwealth countries in the Global South, are particularly encouraged to apply. Where appropriate, the Round Table offers mentoring and additional editorial support.
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