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Historical Perspectives on Global Development

Carolyn Taratko

Kommentar

Is development history? There are several ways to approach this question. In a world of slashed budgets and resurgent nationalism, it may be the case that generous funding for overseas development projects is an artifact of the past. Another interpretation might approach the question at a meta level, asking whether, since at least the Enlightenment, the history of human societies is also one in pursuit of incremental progress. This course aims to expose students to the history of development as a shifting set of ideas and practices in the twentieth century. It asks about the long history of development, tracing its forerunners in colonial societies through the twentieth century, with a particular focus on the postwar years, where it presents a key area for research in global contemporary history. The course explores how plans and projects were shaped by global “East–West” conflicts of the Cold War as well as the longer history of “North–South” conflicts in the decolonizing world. Students will explore the transnational circulation of different models for development, as well as look at the histories of their implementation on the ground. Exposure to a mix of perspectives from the literature will allow students to ask questions related to the status of different types of expertise, the socialization and training of experts, the role of gender in development, the pursuit of socialist, capitalist, and authoritarian paths to development in the postcolonial world, and the involvement of local actors. We will also explore the role of international organizations, including the United Nations, in creating benchmarks, administering projects, and carving out a “right to development.” This approach aims to provide students with an introduction to important debates and methods in the history of development and to cultivate a critical perspective on historical, as well as contemporary, practices of overseas assistance and engagement. Schließen

14 Termine

Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung

Mi, 12:00 - 14:00 14 Termine

Mi, 16.04.2025 12:00 - 14:00

Dozenten:
Dr. Carolyn Taratko