Development Discourse and Global History

Aram Ziai

ISBN 10: 103269162X / ISBN 13: 9781032691626

Published by Taylor and Francis Ltd, GB, 2025

About this Item

Development Discourse and Global History introduces readers to the shifting ways in which people have been talking and writing about 'development' over time, and the rules governing the conversation.Drawing on the methods of Michel Foucault, Ziai's ground-breaking book traces the origins of development discourse back to late colonialism and notes the significant discontinuities that led to the establishment of a new discourse and its accompanying industry. This book goes on to describe the contestations, appropriations and transformations of the concept over time. It shows that trends which have emerged since the 1980s, such as an emphasis on participation and ownership, sustainable development, and free markets, are incompatible with the original rules and so lead to serious contradictions. The Eurocentric, authoritarian and depoliticising elements in development discourse are uncovered, whilst still recognising its progressive appropriations. This new edition includes revisions throughout, and an important new chapter on race and racism, as well as a discussion of the evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals.This book is perfect for students and researchers in development studies, global history and discourse analysis as well as an interdisciplinary audience from international relations, political science, sociology, geography, anthropology, language and literary studies.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781032691626

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Development Discourse and Global History
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd, GB
• Publication Date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 103269162X
• ISBN 13: 9781032691626
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 2°.
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 15.6W x 1.7H x 23.39D centimeters 15.6 centimeters width by 1.7 centimeters height by 23.39 centimeters depth
• Weight: 590 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Development Discourse and Global History introduces readers to the shifting ways in which people have been talking and writing about ‘development’ over time, and the rules governing the conversation.

Drawing on the methods of Michel Foucault, Ziai’s ground-breaking book traces the origins of development discourse back to late colonialism and notes the significant discontinuities that led to the establishment of a new discourse and its accompanying industry. This book goes on to describe the contestations, appropriations and transformations of the concept over time. It shows that trends which have emerged since the 1980s, such as an emphasis on participation and ownership, sustainable development, and free markets, are incompatible with the original rules and so lead to serious contradictions. The Eurocentric, authoritarian and depoliticising elements in development discourse are uncovered, whilst still recognising its progressive appropriations. This new edition includes revisions throughout, and an important new chapter on race and racism, as well as a discussion of the evolution of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This book is perfect for students and researchers in development studies, global history and discourse analysis as well as an interdisciplinary audience from international relations, political science, sociology, geography, anthropology, language and literary studies.

About the Author

Aram Ziai is Executive Director of the Global Partnership Network (Excellence Centre for Exchange and Development), and Professor for Development and Postcolonial Studies at the University of Kassel, Germany.