The History of Development: From Western Origins to Global Faith (Development Essentials)

Rist, Gilbert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848131895 ISBN 13: 9781848131897

Publisher: Zed Books, 2008

This is the third edition of a classic development text, which has both defined and changed its field. In The History of Development Gilbert Rist provides a complete and powerful overview of what the idea of development has meant throughout history. He traces it from its origins in the Western view of history, through the early stages of the world system, the rise of US hegemony, the supposed triumph of the third world, through to new concerns about the environment and globalization. In two completely new chapters on the Millennium Development Goals and post-development thinking, Rist brings the book completely up to date. Throughout, he argues persuasively that development has been no more than a collective delusion, which in reality has only resulted in widening market relations, despite the good intentions of its advocates. Lucidly and powerfully written, this new edition is more essential than ever for students and practitioners of development.

Review:

'This is an impressive account of the rise and demise of the belief system that has pushed mankind to the brink of disaster.' Wolfgang Sachs, author of The Development Dictionary and Fair Future Praise for previous editions: 'If you want to understand the ideological forces that have shaped North-South relations for half a century, you need this remarkable book.' Susan George 'Compelling and exciting reading ... Rist's book, written with deliciously mild irony, is an account of the most crucial moments in which the rites of a belief embraced by millions were elaborated and canonized.' European Journal of Development Research 'This book does an outstanding job.' Journal of Developing Areas 'This book is one of the most astute of its genre available today... exact in its scholarship and profound in its clear account of the philosophies and consequences of the Western example.' Rapport

Synopsis:

In "The History of Development" Gilbert Rist provides a complete and powerful overview of what the idea of development has meant throughout history. He traces it from its origins in the Western view of history, through the early stages of the world system, the rise of US hegemony, the supposed triumph of the third world, through to new concerns about the environment and globalization. In two completely new chapters on the Millennium Development Goals and post-development thinking, Rist brings the book completely up to date. Throughout, he argues persuasively that development has been no more than a collective delusion, which in reality has only resulted in widening market relations, despite the good intentions of its advocates. Lucidly and powerfully written, this new edition is more essential than ever for students and practitioners of development.