Trotsky and Development Theory in Latin America

Abstract

Elaboration of four concepts in the thought of Trotsky (backwardness, combined and uneven development, permanent revolution, and socialist transition and revolution) that are useful in understanding developmental theory and their relevance to theories of capitalist development, underdevelopment, and dependency, as prominently manifested in Latin America during the last half of the 20th century. Identification of Trotskyist movements and their splinter tendencies. Examination of principal theorists and their ideas, with emphasis on Argentine and Brazilian thought and their relevance to developmental theory.