Politics of Development

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Why do some nations prosper while others struggle? Is democracy or authoritarianism better for development? How can people in Kerala, India, expect to live 10 years longer than in South Africa despite Kerala’s income level being half of South Africa’s? How do we balance rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability? This course explores the turbulent relationship between politics and development on the global stage. Students will grapple with major development theories, from the optimism of modernization theory to the skepticism of post-colonial critiques and the realism of human development theory. We’ll scrutinize pivotal areas of development: economic strategies, democratic struggles, persistent inequalities, health crises, and sustainability dilemmas. The course spotlights states, international institutions like the World Bank, IMF, WHO, and U.N. agencies, global companies and social movements as key players in the development game. By the semester’s end, students will be able to dissect development theories and policies, decode the political undercurrents of development challenges, and analyze the impact of various development approaches. They’ll hone skills in policy analysis, comparing development models, and mapping the relationship between state, society, and global actors in development. This course equips students with insights for careers in international development and global governance.