Theoretical and Methodological Foundations of Development Economics

The article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of development economics as an academic discipline aimed at overcoming backwardness and structural inequality in poor and developing countries, based on a critical literature review, conceptual and comparative analysis. Three key theoretical approaches are identified and compared: developmentalism, which justifies the need for a state strategy of industrialization as a source of economic growth; neostructuralism, which complements industrialization with the task of overcoming structural international dependence; human development approach, which emphasizes the multidimensional nature of poverty and the need for inclusive redistributive policies. It is shown that the methodological foundations of development economics are based on historical materialism, the inductive method with a historical approach, taking into account the complexity and uncertainty of economic reality, the normative nature of the discipline, as well as the analysis of power relations that determine the directions of economic policy. The article substantiates the conclusion that development economics is an eclectic, practical and normative discipline that adapts to specific historical, cultural and geopolitical contexts. The necessity of a holistic approach combining industrial strategies, structural transformations and redistributive policies is proved. The increasing relevance of development economics in the context of globalization transformation and the formation of Global South alliances is noted. Development strategies are not universal and must take into account the institutional, economic and geopolitical characteristics of each country. The research emphasizes that development economics remains a crucial branch of economic science for managing processes of economic and institutional structural transformations contributing to the development of these societies.