Business cycle theory has been one of the fastest growing fields in modern nonlinear economic dynamics. The book is centered around models of multiplier-accelerator type, emerging from Samuelson's seminal work, later developed into nonlinear formats by Hicks and Goodwin. These models left open ends, as the tools then available did not permit more systematic analysis. The present situation is different, due to the emergence of new methods also focusing global analysis. The focus on classical, causal or recursive models implies a deviation from current main stream business cycle theory, based on "rational expectations", which in view of the possibility of mathematical chaos becomes untenable. This book is a rejoinder to Puu and Sushko, Oligopoly Dynamics - Models and Tools , (Springer 2002).

Presentation of new mathematical methods for global analysis which have not previously been available in this easily accessible form Presentation of full analyses of several models left open in the 1950s Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Aims and Scope.- Some Methods for the Global Analysis of Closed Invariant Curves in Two-Dimensional Maps.- Center Bifurcation for a Two-Dimensional Piecewise Linear Map.- Short History of the Multiplier-Accelerator Model.- Multiplier-Accelerator Models with Random Perturbations.- Non-Autonomous Business Cycle Model.- The Hicksian Model with Investment Floor and Income Ceiling.- Growth Cycles in a Modified Hicksian Business Cycle Model.- Coexistence of Attractors and Homoclinic Loops in a Kaldor-Like Business Cycle Model.- Expectations and the Multiplier-Accelerator Model.- 'Floors' and/or 'Ceilings' and the Persistence of Business Cycles.- A Goodwin-Type Model with Cubic Investment Function.- A Goodwin-Type Model with a Piecewise Linear Investment Function.