Doctrines of Development examines the history of the idea of development and doctrines governments have employed to practice development policy. Beginning with the nineteenth century ‘invention’ of modern development, the authors discuss Marx’s early critique of development and the creation of the notion of underdevelopment. They argue that trusteeship, the intent of one to act on behalf of another, is the prime force behind all development doctrine and claim that little has changed since early industrial capitalism. Twentieth century case histories from Australia, Canada and Kenya illustrate how and why development doctrine accompanied the early growth of capitalism. Shorter case studies from India, Latin America and Austria are used as examples of how development theory has been part of the history of development doctrine. The authors pursue the analysis by offering a critique of contemporary and increasingly pervasive theories of ‘alternative’ development.