World Politics IX: Underdevelopment and IR

Flashcards on Underdevelopment and IR

Global Inequality

The concept that inequality is significantly more pronounced at the international level compared to within individual countries.

IR and Development Studies

Initially regarded as 'low politics,' development gained prominence as IR shifted away from state-centrism, and emerging economies like the BRICS nations rose to significance.

Development as a Process

Historically, development was viewed as a staged process influenced by Enlightenment ideals, classical liberalism, evolutionary theories, colonial economics, and Marxism.

Classical Approaches to Development

Approaches that emphasized decolonization, enabling countries to catch up through linear progress and specific policy implementations.

Modernization Theory

The belief that underdevelopment stems from traditional societal structures, necessitating substantial investment and the introduction of new concepts to modernize.

Dependency Theory

The theory that underdevelopment results from unequal exchanges between dominant ('core') and dependent ('periphery') nations, advocating for South-South cooperation and state-led industrialization.

Neoclassical Economics

The perspective that underdevelopment is caused by excessive state intervention, recommending deregulation and liberalized trade policies.

Post-Washington Consensus

A revised approach to development that emphasizes the roles of the state, institutions, human development, and global governance.

Critical Perspectives on Development

Perspectives that critique liberalization, hierarchical globalization, and knowledge biases, including feminist and post-colonial analyses.

Development as Freedom

Amartya Sen's view of development as a network of interconnected freedoms, essential for enhancing capabilities and ensuring justice.

Globalization and Development

The argument that insufficient globalization leads to underdevelopment, with structural adjustment programs seen by the Global South as a form of neo-colonialism.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

A set of goals adopted by the UN in 2014, aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and combat climate change by 2030.

Foreign Aid and Development

Assistance intended to strengthen institutions and promote integration within the global trade system.

Criticisms of Foreign Aid

Criticisms include perpetuating core-periphery divisions, mismanagement by corrupt governments, and over-reliance on major donors.

Africa's Development

The history of colonization and imperialism has shaped Africa, with diverse regions, alliances, and power dynamics. The concept of 'Westernising' is often critiqued.

Liberal Explanation for Africa's Poverty

Attributes Africa's poverty to inadequate integration into the global economy and a lack of economic diversification.

Marxist Explanation for Africa's Poverty

Explains Africa's poverty as a result of exploitation by 'core' countries that subjugate African nations for their resources.

Resource Curse

The paradox where resource-rich countries often experience poorer institutional quality due to over-reliance on resources and the incentive for oligarchies to form.

Explanations for Africa's Development Differences

Factors include legacies of colonialism, political institutions, border demarcations, the resource curse, and leadership decisions regarding inclusive or extractive institutions.