International Development: Socio-Economic Theories, Legacies, and Strategies - Hardcover

‘This excellent book provides an innovative conceptual analysis of international development using a human agency based approach. Professor Lanoszka’s expert analysis moves beyond the free markets or state directed development models to a richer understanding that highlights the crucial role of individual agency. This is a powerful, often passionate study of international development. It convinces us of the need to place people at the centre of international development strategies.’

‘Anna Lanoszka has written an impressive introduction to the complex subject of development. It is grounded in key historical and theoretical debates, while retaining a lively and accessible style throughout. It makes excellent use of case studies to bring its subject to life. Lanoszka’s passion for the subject is clearly projected, and will make this book a lively and insightful guide to the persistent and pivotal challenges of global development.’

‘The study of development is a multi-disciplinary exercise and this lucid and informative book should be of interest to a wide variety of disciplines. Anna Lanoszka has written an accessible introduction to the study of international development that should appeal to both teachers and students. International Development is an historically informed, theoretically engaged text that places the individual at the centre of the process of development without at the same time neglecting the importance of structural and institutional factors.’

International Development is a comprehensive inquiry into the field of socio-economic development founded on an understanding that economic advancement involves transformation of society. It explores successful developmental strategies but also tries to identify factors behind failed endeavours and the human costs associated with them. The book evaluates the role played by influential agents of development, such as the state and its institutions, authoritarian leaders, international organizations, donor agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society activists, and private business actors.

Key features:

• A multi-disciplinary approach taking into account politics, economics, sociology, cultural aspects, and history of development;
• Examines a breadth of different theoretical approaches and their practical applications;
• Presents both mainstream and critical viewpoints;
• Addresses such complex issues as governability processes, rights of the poor, colonial legacy, armed conflict, environmental sustainability, gender relations, foreign aid, urbanization, rural development, and international trade;
• Suggested further reading list at the end of each chapter.

This well-balanced book will be a key text for students and practitioners working in the area of socio-economic development and more broadly in development studies, the politics of development and international political economy.