The History of Development: From Western Origins to Global Faith

(Paperback, 5th edition)

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In this landmark text, Gilbert Rist provides a comprehensive and compelling 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, and the supposed triumph of third-worldism, through to new concerns about the environment and globalization. Assessing possible postdevelopment models and considering the ecological dimensions of development, Rist contemplates the ways forward. Throughout, he argues persuasively that development has been no more than a collective delusion, which in reality has resulted only in widening market relations, whatever the intentions of its advocates. A classic development text written by one of the leaders of postdevelopment theory.

Reviews

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. * Praise for Previous Editions, European Journal of Development Research *
This book does an outstanding job. * Praise for Previous Editions, 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. * Praise for Previous Editions, Rapport *
If you want to understand the ideological forces that have shaped North-South relations for half a century, you need this remarkable book. * Praise for Previous Editions, Susan George *
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 *
A much needed corrective to the work of the cheerleaders of the newly globalized order. This book does an outstanding job. * Jan Knippers Black, Journal of Developing Areas *
At a time when globalization and humanitarian interventions are taking over from development, this book should help us understand why development has led so many well-intentioned people astray. It presents complex debates with great clarity, provides an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the literature and should prove essential reading for students and others interested, or involved, in development. * Marie-Dominique Perrot, IUED *
Clear and well-written, there is no comparable book available in English. * Martin O'Connor *
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. * Olga Nieuwenhuys, European Journal of Development Research *
An excellent and challenging book. It should be required reading for all interested in development, and particularly the economists among them. * Peter de Valk, International Journal of African Historical Studies *
There is no comparable book available in English. * Professor Martin O'Connor, economist *
This book is one of the most astute of its genre available today. [It] is exact in its scholarship and profound in its clear account of the philosophies and consequences of the Western example. * Rapport *
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 *
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 *

Author Bio

Gilbert Rist is professor emeritus at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. He previously taught in Tunisia, and spent several years as director of the Centre Europe-Tiers Monde. His other publications include The Delusions of Economics (Zed 2011). The History of Development was his first book to be translated into English, and has also been published in Spanish and Italian.