<p><span>This paper proposes a post-neoclassical synthesis of economic development centered on the concept of belonging. It argues that dominant economic theories—classical, neoclassical, and endogenous growth—fail to explain development divergences because they overlook the institutional and social structures that determine market participation.</span></p> <p><span>The paper introduces the Economy of Belonging, where development is driven by the expansion of a broad middle class and inclusive institutional arrangements that shape effective participation in markets. Using comparative historical evidence from Russia, Latin America, and East Asia, it demonstrates that growth depends not only on savings, technology, or human capital, but on the structure of belonging that defines who is included in economic life.</span></p> <p><span>The analysis contributes to development economics, institutional economics, and political economy by reframing growth as a process of expanding non-discriminatory belonging at both national and global levels.</span></p>