"The Political Economy of Rural Development" argues for a new analysis of rural economic growth patterns, based on research the author conducted in Scandinavia. Ottar Brox reverses a long-standing conviction in urban planning theory by asserting that improving the economic opportunities for individuals in rural areas is an indirect investment in urban hubs. Peasant resistance, he reveals, is the logical result of urban neglect of local interests. "The Political Economy of Rural Development" is a convincing argument for new, localized economic strategies and will be invaluable to those interested in rural planning and economics.