Reproduction schemes are introduced and used to outline the extraction of surplus value and to criticize the traditional, albeit limited, Marxian solution to the Transformation problem.

The last section covers the role of the capitalist state as an economic instrument, the exportation of markets, and subsequent developments of anti-tariff “free traders”, nationalism, racism, and “Wars of Redivision” in which countries fight for colonial possessions in order to further the interests of capital.

Eric Roll reviewed The Theory of Capitalist Development positively in The Yale Law Journal, calling it an important work.

Roll credited Sweezy with providing "the first modern comprehensive and systematic exposition of Marxian economic theory in the English language.

"[2] The political scientist David McLellan called Sweezy's work the best modern continuation of Marx's economic ideas.