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

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.