Kindleberger e le leggi dello sviluppo. Un commento alle “lezioni Mattioli” (1989)

The article is part of the special issue of the journal on Charles P. Kindleberger (CPK). By reviewing CPK s works the authors investigates the analytical content of Kindleberger's historical contributions. In particular, Kindleberger s reformulation and development of Engel's law is analyzed, with attention to its consequences for the theory of economic development. The articles uses the mentioned law to discuss CPK s opinions on international trade, globalization, technical development. Next, the issues of financial speculation and the law of Gresham-Kindleberger are analyzed, jointly with the issues of underdevelopment and capital movements