A Critique on International Development Agenda
Keywords:
Modernisation, structural adjustment policies, human developmenT, sustainable development, Millennium Development Goals.Abstract
Changes in the Global South are resonant through the international development agenda. This article focuses on the post World War II (WWII) context when the idea that ‘development can be fostered’ got momentum and plans for conscious development initiatives started to emerge. The article examines the emergent trends in development.
The aim is to examine the changes in international development agenda in the post WWII context and simultaneously to critically evaluate the trends in such interventionist planned development initiative. Examining the international development agenda, it is argued that at different points of time, development focus was either at the macro or at the micro level; either on the government or on the market as central. Whatever be the target, whoever is in main role, little significant change that can be named ‘development’ is reported.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need of focus not only on economic growth but also on social and political development. The cooperation of all the stakeholders i.e. individuals, communities, NGOs and private sectors along with the government appear essential for development to happen.
