Abstract

The article analyzes the role carried out by the extractive elites during the modernization process in the south of Italy, and its impact on development policies. This situation determinates patronage and rent-seeking dynamics, that shape economic growth and policies effectiveness. The essay argues that, because of these problems, development policies based on governance and participation of local stakeholders are inadequate to stimulate local development in the south of Italy. Differently, the essay underlines the potential effectiveness of policies based on top-down regulation models, centralized, technocratic, freed from the influence of local politics and electoral dynamics, as the best way to counteract the so-called "questione meridionale".