GEOG110 Who is working on 'development' and why?

Defining Development

Development is defined as good change, aiming to improve overall well-being, but the methods to achieve it are still being explored.

Modernization Theory

Modernization theory suggests that developing countries should emulate the economic policies and cultural practices of richer countries to improve well-being.

Development vs. Humanitarian Aid

Development aims for long-term improvements and poverty reduction, while humanitarian aid provides immediate survival assistance.

Major Actors in International Development

Key players include:

  • World Bank and IMF

  • United Nations (UN)

  • G7, G20, and OECD

World Bank and IMF

  • Origins: Created post-World War II to rebuild Europe and prevent the spread of communism.

  • IMF: Focuses on international governance of exchange and monetary practices, providing loans to member states in financial trouble.

  • Governance: Dominated by wealthier nations, influencing policy direction.

  • World Bank Goals: Aims to end poverty and boost prosperity through focus areas like people, prosperity, planet, infrastructure, and digital.

  • Criticism: Accused of enabling rich countries to control poorer economies via neoliberal policies and promoting global trade for their benefit.

United Nations (UN)

  • Mission: To promote peace, security, international cooperation, sustainable development, human rights, and uphold international law.

  • Governance: Each member state has an equal vote.

  • Criticism:

    • Ineffective in maintaining international peace and security (e.g., Rwandan genocide).

    • Limited success in protecting human rights (e.g., Palestine).

    • Humanitarian aid seen as a short-term solution.

    • Challenges in upholding international law due to bureaucracy and complexity.

  • International Criminal Court (ICC): Established by the Rome Statute, but its jurisdiction is limited by non-ratifying countries.

G7, G20, and OECD

  • G7: An informal group of seven advanced economies that discusses global policies and can act as a bloc.

  • G20: Includes the G7 plus 12 other major economies, promoting economic cooperation and addressing global challenges.

  • OECD: Includes 37 democratic governments committed to a free economy, aiming to build better policies for better lives.

Country-Level Actors

  • Government: Steers spending, makes deals, and influences economic policies.

  • Charities/INGOs: Funded by donations and governments, deliver programs on the ground.

  • Multinational Corporations: Powerful in development, self-funded, with limited accountability.

    • A state is a defined territory with a population and a government with sovereign power.

Aotearoa (New Zealand) as a Development Actor

  • Focus: 65% of overseas development aid goes to the Pacific region.

  • Priorities: Governance, economic development, climate, and environment.

  • Tied Aid: Attaching specific criteria to aid, benefiting the donor country.

Problems with Big INGOs

  • Lack of coordination.

  • Limited accountability.

Multinational Corporations and Philanthropists

  • Examples: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, Google Foundation.

  • Criticism: Ineffective coordination, top-down approach, limited accountability, market interests disguised as altruism.

Community-Led Development

Emphasizes empowering communities and asking them what they need, rather than imposing external solutions.

Amartya Sen's Development Theory

Poverty is not just a lack of money but a lack of choice and access to rights.

  • Economic Choice: Requires employment, training, welfare, and a safety net.

  • Political Rights and Choice: Freedom of expression, public participation, and democracy without fear.

  • Freedom from Coercive Relations: Protection of labor rights and access to justice.

  • Transparency in Interactions: Trust in institutions and systems.

  • Access to Services: Education and healthcare.

Indigenous Knowledge

Recognizing and integrating indigenous knowledge and ideas of well-being into development strategies is essential.