A pathbreaking introduction to the controversial, contested and deeply political topic of development. Written in an engaging and eminently readable style, leading authors invite readers to examine the political dynamics behind some of today's most complex global issues, from rising inequality and social exclusion to the climate crisis. By confronting false assumptions and dispelling myths, the book challenges readers to see politics as not only the obstacle to development, but also the means to achieve it. The Politics of Development is grounded in the everyday challenges facing people around the world in accessing the vital resources they need to survive and thrive. It illustrates the unavoidable reality that politics shapes who gets what, when, how; whether in family settings, local communities, national stages or global arenas. It provides readers with a clear roadmap for action centred on institutions, interests, and ideas, to better navigate competing demands and push forward profound change. There are no easy answers to the politics of development - instead, this book provides the analytical tools to understand why getting development right can be so hard and how you can positively respond to some of the critical challenges facing governments, societies and citizens around the world today. This text is essential reading for any student of the politics of development or Development Studies, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Claire Mcloughlin is Associate Professor of Politics and Development, University of Birmingham, UK Sameen Ali is Assistant Professor of International Development, University of Birmingham, UK Kailing Xie is Assistant Professor of International Development, University of Birmingham, UK Nicholas Cheeseman is Professor of Democracy and International Development, University of Birmingham, UK David Hudson is Professor of Politics and Development, University of Birmingham, UK
UNDERSTANDING THE POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT 1 Why is development political? - Claire Mcloughlin, David Hudson, Nic Cheeseman, Sameen Ali, and Kailing Xie 2 Whose knowledge counts? Global inequalities, knowledge production and the need for decolonisation - Zenobia Ismail FOUNDATIONS: INSTITUTIONS, INTERESTS, AND IDEAS 3 Do institutions rule? Order, incentives, and norms - Jasmine Burnley, Niheer Dasandi, and David Hudson 4 Development in whose interest? Elites, power, and collective action - Sameen Ali, David Hudson, and Claire Mcloughlin 5 What's the big idea? Ideology, beliefs, and discourse - Nic Cheeseman, Claire Mcloughlin, and Kate Pruce CHANGE-MAKERS: GOVERNMENT, MARKET, PEOPLE, DONORS 6 Are some governments better than others? Democracy, authoritarianism, and development states - Nic Cheeseman 7 Should markets rule? Economic policy, international financial institutions, and free trade - Bizuneh Yimenu 8 Power to the people? Social movements, popular participation, and deepening democracy - Chris Lyon and Ellie Chowns 9 Follow the money? Global and local aid, donor influence, and reparations - Emily Scott CHALLENGES: THE POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT FROM THE GROUND UP 10 How does my identity matter? Intersectionality, positionality, and power relations - Kailing Xie, Emeka Njoku, and Merisa Thompson 11 Why doesn't everyone get the same? Inequality, exclusion, and inclusion - Soomin Oh and David Hudson 12 How can I jump this queue? Petty corruption, clientelism, and other games within the rules - Claire Mcloughlin and Sameen Ali 13 Can the planet cope with development? Sustainability, justice, and transformational political change - Fiona Nunan, Harriet Croome, and Chukwumerije Okereke 14 When do people accept authority? Legitimacy, coercion, and the social contract - Jonathan Fisher and Claire Mcloughlin 15 When does contestation turn violent? Conflict and peacebuilding - Jonathan Fisher and Paul Jackson
This is one of those books that makes you ask, 'why haven't we had one of these before?' The Politics of Development starts from the premise that all development is political, and expertly unpacks the evidence for that assertion and the implications for thinking and practice. -- Duncan Green * https://frompoverty.oxfam.org.uk/book-review-the-politics-of-development/ * This book is destined to become essential reading in any university courses that consider the politics of development. It expertly unpicks the essentially political and painful nature of development, the core role of 'contestation', and the ideas, interests and institutions involved in both driving and blocking the expansion of the freedoms to be and to do that Amartya Sen identified as the true heart of human development. A wonderful addition to the literature. -- Professor Duncan Green Development is political. That is the powerful and indisputable message of the authors of this book. Scholars and practitioners take note and start with this terrific and authoritative book. -- Professor James A. Robinson Development is messy, contested, and deeply political. It impacts all aspects of our lives, especially if we are in particularly deprived communities and countries. It shapes age old problems like corruption, and more recent challenges like the climate crisis. The beauty of this book is that it covers the vast span of development, and its power-laden nature, in an engaging, accessible, and knowledgeable manner. It will be an excellent addition to reading lists. -- Professor Nikita Sud The Politics of Development is an invaluable resource, bringing together in one place a lively and accessible overview of the politics of power, contestation and change. Not to be missed on any reading list in development studies. -- Professor John Gaventa The Politics of Development is clear and persuasive. It is centred on how institutions are shaped by people's interests, and the importance of ideas to understand when development does, or doesn't, happen. An important and lucid contribution in understanding how politics shape development. -- Jakkie Cilliers The Politics of Development is an insightful and thought-provoking book that illuminates the inherent link between politics and development. It offers a comprehensive framework to better understand global power dynamics and empowers readers to actively transform the world. A must-read for students of development everywhere. -- Dr Ivica Petrikova
