POLITICS OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 1

1. INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Definition: International development refers to efforts aimed at improving the economic, social,
and political conditions of countries, particularly those that are less developed or developing. It
encompasses various aspects, including poverty reduction, economic growth, health care,
education, gender equality, and infrastructure development.

Key Elements:

 Economic Development: Focus on improving the economic well-being of a country.

This often involves increasing GDP, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
 Social Development: Addresses social issues such as education, health care, and social
justice. Ensuring access to quality education and healthcare can have long-lasting effects
on a country’s development.
 Political Development: Involves establishing stable political institutions, promoting
good governance, and encouraging civic participation. This can include democratization
processes and the strengthening of legal systems.

Examples:

1. The Marshall Plan (1948): After World War II, the United States implemented the
Marshall Plan to aid European countries in their reconstruction. This plan provided
financial assistance and resources, leading to significant economic recovery and growth
in Western Europe. It serves as a historical example of international development and
cooperation.
2. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000-2015): Adopted by the United Nations,
these eight goals aimed to address global challenges like poverty, hunger, education,
gender equality, and health. Significant progress was made in many areas, such as
reducing extreme poverty by half. However, challenges remain, leading to the
establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Microfinance Initiatives: Programs like Grameen Bank in Bangladesh have focused on
providing small loans to the impoverished, especially women, to start small businesses.
This approach has empowered individuals and fostered economic growth at the
grassroots level.

Conclusion:

Understanding international development is crucial as it encompasses a wide array of policies

and practices aimed at fostering sustainable growth and improving the quality of life in various
countries. The intersection of economic, social, and political factors makes it a complex yet
essential area of study in International Relations.
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2. POLITICAL CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENT

Definition: The political context of development refers to the influence of political systems,
governance structures, and power dynamics on the processes and outcomes of development. This
includes how political decisions, policies, and institutions affect economic growth, social equity,
and overall quality of life in a country.

Key Elements:

 Governance and Institutions: Effective governance and strong institutions are critical
for development. Institutions define the rules of the game, establish accountability, and
ensure transparency. Poor governance can lead to corruption, inefficiency, and hinder
development efforts.
 Political Stability: Political stability is essential for sustainable development. Countries
with stable governments tend to attract foreign investment, fostering economic growth.
Conversely, political instability, such as civil wars or coups, can derail development
efforts and worsen poverty.
 Policy Framework: Development policies shaped by political ideologies (e.g.,
neoliberalism, socialism) can significantly influence development outcomes. The choice
of economic policies, social programs, and resource allocation reflects the political
priorities of a country.

Examples:

1. The Role of Institutions in South Korea:

o South Korea’s rapid development from the 1960s to the 1990s can be attributed to
strong state institutions and effective governance. The government implemented
export-oriented industrialization policies, invested in education, and maintained
political stability. This resulted in significant economic growth and development,
positioning South Korea as a developed nation.
2. The Impact of Political Instability in Somalia:
o Somalia has faced decades of political instability, including civil war and the
absence of a central government. This has led to a collapse of essential services,
widespread poverty, and humanitarian crises. The lack of political stability has
made development efforts extremely challenging, highlighting the importance of a
stable political environment for effective development.
3. Neoliberal Policies in Latin America:
o In the 1980s and 1990s, many Latin American countries adopted neoliberal
economic policies, prioritizing free markets and reducing state intervention.
While some countries, like Chile, experienced economic growth, others faced
increased inequality and social unrest. This illustrates how political ideologies and
policy choices can lead to varied development outcomes.
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3. OVERVIEW OF ERAS OF DEVELOPMENT

The concept of development has evolved over time, reflecting changes in political, economic,
and social thought. Below is a brief overview of key eras of development:

1. Post-World War II Development (1940s-1960s)

 Context: After WWII, many countries, especially in Europe and Asia, were focused on
reconstruction and economic recovery.
 Key Features:
o Emphasis on industrialization and economic growth.
o The establishment of international institutions like the World Bank and the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) to provide financial assistance and promote
economic stability.
o Development strategies were often top-down, driven by government initiatives and
foreign aid.

2. Dependency Theory Era (1960s-1980s)

 Context: This era emerged as a response to the limitations of earlier development models,
particularly in Latin America and Africa.
 Key Features:
o Focus on the unequal relationships between developed and developing nations,
suggesting that underdevelopment was a result of exploitation by richer countries.
o Scholars like Andre Gunder Frank argued that developing countries were trapped in a
cycle of dependency and underdevelopment due to colonial legacies.
o Advocacy for more self-reliant development strategies and the importance of local
contexts.

3. Neoliberal Era (1980s-1990s)

 Context: The global rise of neoliberal policies influenced many developing nations, particularly
in the wake of economic crises.
 Key Features:
o Emphasis on free markets, deregulation, and privatization of state-owned enterprises.
o Conditionality of aid from institutions like the IMF and World Bank, which required
countries to adopt neoliberal reforms.
o Critics argue that this era led to increased inequality and social unrest in many developing
nations.

4. Sustainable Development Era (1990s-Present)

 Context: Growing awareness of environmental issues and the limits of traditional economic
growth models.
 Key Features:
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o Introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in

2015, focusing on social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
o Emphasis on participatory development approaches that engage local communities in
decision-making.
o Integration of issues like climate change, social justice, and human rights into
development agendas.

Conclusion:

Each era of development reflects changing paradigms in how societies view growth and
progress. From post-war reconstruction to sustainable development, understanding these eras
helps us grasp the complexities of development in a globalized world. Each era's policies and
ideologies continue to influence contemporary development strategies and debates.

4. BARRY BUZAN'S PERSPECTIVE ON DEVELOPMENT

Overview: Barry Buzan, a prominent scholar in International Relations, is known for his
contributions to security studies and his work on the concept of "regional security complexes."
While his main focus is on security, Buzan’s perspective on development is inherently linked to
his ideas about the interplay between security, politics, and economics.

Key Elements:

1. Security as a Development Driver:

o Buzan argues that security is a fundamental precondition for development. Without a
stable security environment, economic growth and social progress are often
undermined.
o He emphasizes that development policies should address security issues, as conflicts
and instability can derail development efforts.
2. Interconnectedness of Security and Development:
o Buzan highlights the importance of considering regional and global dynamics in
development strategies. He asserts that local security issues cannot be addressed in
isolation from broader regional and international contexts.
o This interconnectedness suggests that successful development requires a
comprehensive approach that incorporates security considerations into economic and
social policies.
3. Regional Security Complexes:
o Buzan's concept of regional security complexes refers to how security dynamics are
organized at the regional level, where states are interconnected through security
threats and cooperative measures.
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He argues that development initiatives should be tailored to specific regional

o
contexts, recognizing the unique security challenges each region faces. This
approach promotes a more nuanced understanding of development that considers
local political dynamics.
4. Human Security Perspective:
o Buzan’s perspective aligns with the human security approach, which focuses on the
security of individuals rather than just the state. This includes issues such as poverty,
health, education, and human rights.
o By prioritizing human security, development efforts can be more effective, as they
address the underlying vulnerabilities that affect people's lives and livelihoods.

Examples:

1. Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Afghanistan:

o Buzan’s perspective is evident in post-conflict development efforts in
Afghanistan, where security issues have been paramount. International
development initiatives have aimed not only at economic reconstruction but also
at establishing stable governance and addressing security challenges to create a
conducive environment for growth.
o
2. African Development Initiatives:
o In many African regions, development programs have increasingly incorporated
security considerations. For example, the African Union has recognized that
without addressing conflicts and political instability, development efforts are
unlikely to succeed. Initiatives aimed at conflict resolution and peacebuilding
have been integral to development strategies in countries like South Sudan.

Conclusion:

Barry Buzan’s perspective on development underscores the critical relationship between security
and development. By recognizing the interconnectedness of these factors, policymakers can
develop more effective strategies that address both immediate security concerns and long-term
development goals. This holistic approach is essential for fostering sustainable development in
complex and interconnected global contexts.
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5. THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT: LIBERAL INTERNATIONALISM,

MODERNIZATION THEORY, AND STRUCTURAL IMPERIALISM

1. Liberal Internationalism

Overview: Liberal internationalism is a theory rooted in the belief that international cooperation
and institutions can lead to peace and development. It emphasizes the role of democracy, human
rights, and economic interdependence.

Key Features:

 Democratic Governance: Liberal internationalists argue that democracies are less likely to go to
war with one another and tend to promote peace and stability.
 Economic Integration: The theory posits that free trade and economic interdependence foster
cooperation among nations, reducing the likelihood of conflict.
 Role of International Institutions: Organizations such as the United Nations and World Trade
Organization play crucial roles in facilitating cooperation and addressing global issues.

Example: The European Union (EU) serves as an example of liberal internationalism, where
member states have integrated their economies and political systems, promoting peace and
development in a historically conflict-prone region.

2. Modernization Theory

Overview: Modernization theory emerged in the mid-20th century as a framework to explain

how societies transition from traditional to modern forms of life, emphasizing economic growth
and technological advancement.

Key Features:

 Stages of Development: Proponents, such as Walt Rostow, proposed that countries pass through
a series of stages (e.g., traditional society, preconditions for take-off, take-off, drive to maturity,
and age of high mass consumption) to achieve modernization.
 Economic Growth: The theory emphasizes the importance of industrialization, urbanization, and
the adoption of Western values and practices as essential for development.
 Role of External Assistance: Modernization theorists argue that developing countries often need
assistance from developed nations to facilitate their transition to modernity.

Example: The Marshall Plan is often cited as a successful application of modernization theory,
where the U.S. provided economic aid to Western European countries to help them rebuild and
modernize after WWII.
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3. Structural Imperialism

Overview: Structural imperialism, a concept associated with theorists like Immanuel

Wallerstein, critiques the modern global system and emphasizes the exploitative relationships
between core (developed) and periphery (developing) nations.

Key Features:

 World-Systems Theory: This theory posits that the global economy is divided into core, semi-
periphery, and periphery countries. Core countries exploit resources and labor from peripheral
countries, leading to unequal development.
 Historical Context: Structural imperialism examines how historical processes, including
colonialism and imperialism, have shaped contemporary global inequalities.
 Dependency: It argues that developing nations remain dependent on developed nations,
hindering their ability to achieve self-sustained growth.

Example: The relationship between the United States and many Latin American countries
exemplifies structural imperialism, where U.S. corporations exploit resources and labor, leading
to persistent economic dependency and underdevelopment in the region.

Conclusion:

These three theories provide different lenses through which to analyze development. Liberal
internationalism emphasizes cooperation and democracy, modernization theory focuses on stages
of economic growth, and structural imperialism critiques global inequalities. Understanding
these theories helps contextualize the complexities of development in today's world.
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6. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) 1-7

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the
United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals
aim to address a wide range of global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change,
environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Here’s a brief overview of the first seven SDGs:

1. Goal 1: No Poverty

 Objective: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

 Key Targets:
o Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living
on less than $1.90 a day.
o Implement social protection systems and measures for all, including floors.
 Example: Programs like cash transfer initiatives in countries like Brazil have successfully lifted
millions out of extreme poverty by providing direct financial support to low-income families.

2. Goal 2: Zero Hunger

 Objective: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable
agriculture.
 Key Targets:
o End all forms of malnutrition by 2025, including achieving targets set internationally on
stunted and wasted children under five years of age.
o Ensure sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.
 Example: The Farm to School Program in the U.S. encourages schools to source local foods,
improving nutrition for students while supporting local farmers.

3. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

 Objective: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
 Key Targets:
o Reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
o End the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases by
2030.
 Example: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has mobilized
resources to fight these diseases, saving millions of lives worldwide.

4. Goal 4: Quality Education

 Objective: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all.
 Key Targets:
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o Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and
numeracy.
o Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender-sensitive.
 Example: The UNESCO Global Education Coalition aims to support countries in their efforts
to ensure that all learners continue to learn, even during emergencies like the COVID-19
pandemic.

5. Goal 5: Gender Equality

 Objective: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
 Key Targets:
o End all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere.
o Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at
all levels of decision-making.
 Example: Initiatives like HeForShe, launched by UN Women, encourage men and boys to
advocate for gender equality, aiming to shift cultural norms.

6. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

 Objective: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
 Key Targets:
o Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
o Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous
chemicals.
 Example: The Water.org initiative provides financial solutions to improve water and sanitation
access in developing countries, changing millions of lives through affordable financing.

7. Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

 Objective: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
 Key Targets:
o Ensure universal access to affordable electricity.
o Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030.
 Example: The Solar Sister initiative empowers women in Africa to sell solar-powered products,
providing access to clean energy while fostering women's entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

The Sustainable Development Goals represent a comprehensive framework for addressing the
world's most pressing challenges. Each goal is interconnected, highlighting the need for holistic
approaches to achieve sustainable development. Meeting these goals requires collaboration
among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.
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