Regulation and development: Theoretical contributions and empirical lessons from Latin America

Abstract

How do regulation and development relate to each other? Despite the centrality of this question to the worlds of research and practice, surprisingly little scholarship has reflected on the nexus between regulation and development. Existing studies are mainly concerned with the design and operation of regulatory institutions and instruments in developed countries. Regulatory propositions about “developing” countries have, however, remained at a rather general level. This introductory article and the following set of contributions intend to broaden our understanding on how regulation and development relate to each other with a particular emphasis on Latin America. This article introduces key debates and themes as well as an analytical framework that incorporates the various dimensions of the regulation-development nexus. It also discusses the literature on regulation in Latin America. Following a brief overview of the articles in this special issue, we conclude with reflections regarding future research on the relationship between regulation and development.