International Development: Socio-Economic Theories, Legacies, and Strategies

Description

International Development is a comprehensive inquiry into the field of socio-economic development founded on an understanding that economic advancement involves transformation of society. It explores successful developmental strategies but also tries to identify factors behind failed endeavours and the human costs associated with them. The book evaluates the role played by influential agents of development, such as the state and its institutions, authoritarian leaders, international organizations, donor agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society activists, and private business actors. Key features: A multi-disciplinary approach taking into account politics, economics, sociology, cultural aspects, and history of development; Examines a breadth of different theoretical approaches and their practical applications; Presents both mainstream and critical viewpoints; Addresses such complex issues as governability processes, rights of the poor, colonial legacy, armed conflict, environmental sustainability, gender relations, foreign aid, urbanization, rural development, and international trade; Suggested further reading list at the end of each chapter. This well-balanced book will be a key text for students and practitioners working in the area of socio-economic development and more broadly in development studies, the politics of development and international political economy. Cover Half Title Book Title Copyright Dedication Table of Contents List of figures List of tables List of abbreviations Introduction: development and transforming societies I Conceptualizing development II Problems with measuring progress and underdevelopment III Social dimension of development economics IV Classical scholars and continuing debates V Concluding remarks Notes Suggested further reading 1 Theories and approaches to development I Conceptualizing theories II Early theories: from growth model to structural change models III The state as the agent of development: dependency movement IV The state as an obstacle to development: neoliberal resurgence V The state as an enabling environment: institutions and rights of the poor Notes Suggested further reading 2 Colonialism legacy of developing countries I Conceptualizing historical legacy II Indigenous civilizations and the European powers III Theoretical explanations of imperialism and colonialism IV Colonialism and the creation of the Third World V Post-colonialism and developing countries Notes Suggested further reading 3 Developing countries and the global economy I Conceptualizing the global economy II Learning to cooperate: the Bretton Woods system III Attempting to help: debt, aid, and the cartel of good intentions IV Expanding trade: from the GATT to the WTO and beyond Notes Suggested further reading 4 Domestic strategies: obstacles and opportunities I Conceptualizing strategy II Relying on the state: the politics of aid in the Third World III “Fixing the state”: struggles over structural reforms IV Utilizing the state: state-directed development Notes Suggested further reading 5 Armed conflicts, violence, and development I Conceptualizing armed conflict II Conflicts in theory and practice: resisting simplification III Questions about the importance of culture IV Igniting conflicts: multiple causes of violence V Escaping the conflict trap Notes Suggested further reading 6 Gender relations and development I Conceptualizing gender II Gender and development: changing approaches III Empowering the disadvantaged: towards gender equality IV Combating the barriers: women as leaders and doers Notes Suggested further reading 7 Environment, sustainability, and development I Conceptualizing sustainable development II The sustainability of economic advancement as the population grows III Non-renewable resources, energy security, and the power of oil IV Deforestation, pollution, and the politics of climate change Notes Suggested further reading 8 Rural development and food security I Conceptualizing food security II Global hunger, rural poverty, and problematic agricultural trade III IPRs, GMOs, and TRIPS vs. Farmers’ rights IV Access to food and domestic agricultural policies Notes Suggested further reading 9 Urban development and challenges of migration I Conceptualizing urbanization II Unstoppable cities as a force and prize of progress III Displacement in the age of unprecedented migration IV The search for a balanced and inclusive urban development model Notes Suggested further reading 10 In conclusion Notes Index