Developing World, 2001-2002

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ISBN: 9780072433487 | 0072433485
Cover: Paperback
Copyright: 2/1/2001

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This timely anthology gives students an understanding of the diversity and complexity of the developing world and acquaints them with the challenges that nations confront as the post-cold war era progresses. Peace and security, international trade, the debt crisis, and the environment are discussed. This title is supported by Dushkin Online (www.dushkin.com/online/), a student web site that provides study support tools and links to related web sites.

To the Reader

Topic Guide

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Selected World Wide Web Sites

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Overview

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UNIT 1 Understanding the Developing World

Life Is Unfair: Inequality in the World

Nancy Birdsall

Inequality is growing both between and within nations. This inequality is the result of history, poor decisions, and bad policy. There is a temptation to try quick-fix remedies that may actually exacerbate the problems rather than to invest in long-term solutions to inequality

(9)

A Decade to Eradicate Poverty: United Nations Development Programme, Social Education, October 1997

The UN Development Programme has developed the Human Poverty Index, a composite of statistics on illiteracy, malnutrition, early death, poor health care, and lack of access to safe water, in order to measure widespread poverty throught the developing world. The elimination of poverty requires policies that are targeted toward these components

(7)

Empires Without Armies

Edward Goldsmith

Edward Goldsmith argues that the goals of colonialism and development are strikingly similar. Industrialized countries may have relinquished formal control over their former colonial possessions but they retain influence in the developing world through connections to a Westernized ruling elite that provides arms to prop up governments, and through an international economy that is dominated by the Western countries that control the international financial institutions

(4)

The Third Worldist Moment

Robert Malley

Decolonization prompted efforts to create an intellectual basis from which to challenges the industrial powers. Establishing a coherent alternative required the combination of disparate frends of thought and action throughout the developing world. However, efforts at collective and coherent action have been largely replaced by individual and group responses to developing countries' continuing dependence on the West

(9)

Universal Truths: Human Rights and the Westernizing Illusion

Amartya Sen

The term human rights implies universality, but this issue has become a source of controversy between Western and non-Western peoples. Traditional perspectives that underlie the controversy are not as historically accurate as their adherents believe. There is considerable diversity of human rights experience within both Western and non-Western cultures and there must be greater recognition of this fact

(3)

UNIT 2 Political Economy and the Developing World

Overview

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Managing Inequality in the Developing World

Nancy Birdsall

Globalization promises both benefits and consequences for developing countries, writes Nancy Birdsall. Growing inequality creates barriers to the poor in gaining access to income-producing assets, undermines economic growth, and creates, at the least, the pereption of injustice. To mitigate these consequences, both national governments and international institutions must take steps to reduce the negative impact of globalization

(5)

The Blessings and Challenges of Globalization

Daniel T. Griswod

Globalization generates substantial debate regarding its costs and benefits. While acknowledging that globalization is perceived to be a threat to the poor, Daniel Griswold argues that trade and investment liberalization offer the best hope for poor countries to enhance political freedom, labor standards, environmental quality, and living conditions

(9)

Trading Up: Why Globalization Aids the Poor

Jay R. Mandle

Responding to critics who protest that international trade hurts the world's poorest, undermines labor standards, and destroys the environment, Jay Mandle argues that trade liberalization helps the poor. Other consequences such as the detrimental effects of currency speculation and problems with labor and environmental standards are discussed

(4)

The IMF: A Cure or a Curse?

Devesh Kapur

The IMF's role in the global economy has evolved from one of helping to maintain stable exchange rates to one of managing the debt crisis and advocating structural reform in debtor nations. The IMF's analysis of the debt problem and its prescriptions for dealing with the recent Asian financial crisis emphasize the internal policies of financially troubled countries. Developing countries must be more aware of the perils of global finance; the IMF must restore some balance to its prescriptions

(8)

WTO 101: Myths About the World Trade Organization

Jackie Smith

Since the November 1999 meeting in Seattle, the WTO has been the focus of intense controversy. Its advocates claim that it promotes trade liberalization and helps the poor. Critics contend that it entrenches the power of the industrialized countries and disadvantages developing countries. The authors present what they see as six key myths of the current international trade system

(4)

Multinational Corporations

John Stopford

Multinational corporations have had a controversial record, especially in developing countries, but MNCs have altered their operations over the years. John Stopford analyzes some of the more common perceptions regarding MNCs. He argues that perceptions may not always coincide with reality

(6)

Food or Debt: The Jubilee 2000 Movement

Marie Michael

As an alternative to a debt relief proposal that was put forth by the industrialized countries, the Jubilee 2000 campaign advocates the unconditional cancellation of the entire debt of the world's 52 poorest countries. In contrast, the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative favored by the industrialized countries involves partial cancellation of the debt of 40 countries, after their adherence to structural adjustment

(2)

How to Make Aid Work, The Economist, June 26, 1999

The recent agreement among industrial countries to provide more debt relief comes as aid flows have stagnated, raising questions about funding for this initiative. Aid has been disappointing for donors, who may not have had economic growth as their top priority, and recipients, who have not always spent the funds wisely. In the future, aid flows must be channeled to those countries that have the greatest need and that can effectively manage the aid

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Aid for AIDS, The Economist, April 29, 2000

Ninety-five percent of the 34 million people infected with AIDS worldwide live in the developing world. The consequences include reduced life expectancy, human suffering, a dramatic increase in orphans, and a reduction in economic growth. The development of a vaccine is crucial. Incentives provided by governments, international institutions, and foundations will be required to finance efforts to combat the epidemic

(2)

Labouring Under Illusions

Beatrice Newberry

Western countries advocate the elimination of child labor but this is a complicated issue. As Beatrice Newberry points out, only a small part of child labor in the developing world involves exploitation by global corporations. The vast majority of children work in small family enterprises or in the informal economy. Ending it may deprive these children of important skills and force them and their families further into poverty

(4)

UNIT 3 Conflict and Instability

Overview

(28)

The Future of Civil Conflict

Shashi Tharoor

Although many current conflicts in the developing world have an ethnic dimension, this is often not sufficient to explain the cause of the fighting. Colonial boundaries, manipulative political leaders, state fragmentation, and inequitable economic distribution also contribute to conflict. Enhancing democracy and pluralism would help resolve future civil conflicts

(8)

Political Islam and Violence

Najib Ghadbian

The connection between Islam and violence is often the result of Islamists struggling against repressive regimes and economic marginalization. Radicals espouse a distorted interpretation of Islam, have a paranoid worldview, and often share the experience of having fought in Afghanistan, which helped to radicalize them. While those who engage in violent acts get the bulk of the attention, Islamic groups that do not advocate violence are overshadowed

100

(7)

Behind the Breakdown

Michael Hirsh

Daniel Klaidman

Hopes for a comprehensive peace in the Middle East faded with the breakdown of the Camp David summit. Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat went home to renewed support for his rejection of a compromise over Jerusalem. Israeli prime minister Barak came under criticism at home for bargaining on what his opponents regard as vital Israeli interests. Failure to reach an agreement could not only prevent much-needed aid to the Palestinians but further heighten tensions

107

(2)

Post-Imperial Africa at War

Marina Ottaway

Africa continues to be plagued by conflicts, especially those associated with the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Marina Ottaway writes that conflict also stems from the end of the old imperial, externally imposed order and the disintegration of some African states. Resolution of these conflicts requires state consolidation and the establishment of effective government

109

(5)

Not So Pacific

Keith Suter

South Pacific islands, more often associated with idyllic vacations, have recently emerged as a hotbed of ethnic and communal strife. Keith Suter indicates that problems in the region can be traced to colonialism, the end of the cold war, lack of equitable economic growth, inappropriate growth strategies, weak state institutions, and law international concern

114

(2)

The Assault on Democratic Society in Colombia, The Economist, March 18, 2000

Colombia's civil war has killed thousands, hundreds of thousands have been driven from the countryside, and many skilled workers and intellectuals have left the country. Colombia's violence and intimidation is the product of both leftist rebels and right-wing paramilitaries

116

(2)

UNIT 4 Political Change in the Developing World

Overview

118

(28)

The Decline of Illiberal Democracy

Adrian Karatnycky

The 1998/1999 Freedom House survey shows the largest number to date of countries that maintain a high degree of political and economic freedom and that respect basic civil liberties. The number of countries listed as partly free decreased slightly while three fewer countries were listed as not free. The survey also examined trends regarding ethnicity, nationalism, religion, and regional variations in the impact of these variables

120

(8)

Stability in South Africa: Will It Hold?

J. Daniel O'Flaherty

Constance J. Freeman

South Africa's elections strengthened the country's democratic consolidation process. Although major challenges such as high unemployment, crime, HIV/AIDS, and income disparities remain, South Africa's political culture and economic resiliency enhance its prospects for long-term stability

128

(4)

Nigeria: The Politics of Marginalization

Minabere Ibelema

Nigeria's 1999 elections brought a civilian government to power for the first time in almost 14 years. President Obasanjo faces serious tensions among Nigeria's many ethnic groups. Minabere Ibelema reports that despite efforts to be more inclusive, increasing numbers of people feel marginalized, and perceptions of an inequitable distribution of government revenues fuel resentment. Success in consolidating democracy will require greater efforts to accommodate ethnic diversity

132

(4)

Iran's New Revolution

Robin Wright

Over two decades after seizing power, Iran's hard-line revolutionary regime is facing significant opposition. It is being redefined through three movements: Islamic reformers, an adventurous film industry, and increasingly effective women's organizations. According to Robin Wright, the empowerment of people in Iran has put it in the forefront of countries seeking to blend religion with social and political ideals

136

(5)

What's Next for Mexico?

Linda Robinson

Andrea Mandel-Campbell

Vicente Fox's victory in the Mexican presidential elections ended 71 years of dominance by the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). The new president has promised to focus on eliminating corruption and dealing with the poverty that drives migration to the United States. Economic growth is also crucial to maintaining Fox's support among the urban young and educated who helped elect him

141

(2)

Equality, Poverty, Democracy

Andrew Crawley

Latin American countries face varying degrees of population growth, poverty, income disparity, and political tension. Andrew Crawley reports that high levels of urbanization exacerbate these problems and undermine democratic consensus, in some cases resulting in creeping authoritarianism

143

(3)

UNIT 5 Population, Development, and Environment

Overview

146

(52)

No Vacancy

Werner Fornos

Despite declining fertility rates in some parts of the developing world, Earth's population continues to increase. This growth is fueled by high fertility rates, a young population, and lack of access to family planning and contraception. Both developing countries and the industrialized world must work to stabilize population growth

148

(4)

Life Support Fails

Lester Brown

Three factors are contributing to rising death rates in certain developing countries: HIV/AIDS, depletion of the world's water resources, and shrinking per capita cropland. AIDS has already drastically reduced life expectancy in some African countries while falling water tables reduce irrigation, resulting in food shortages and malnutrition. Shrinking per capita cropland threatens food security and necessitates costly imports

152

(2)

Is `Development' Good for the Third World?

Bill Emmott

Vandana Shiva

The editor of The Economist and an Indian environmental activist debate the definition and effects of development. Vandana Shiva argues that development is profit-driven, geared to the interests of the West, and has enormous environmental consequences. Bill Emmott counters that a development model that emphasizes freedom, competition, profit with accountability, and the rule of law is the best guarantee of progress for developing countries

154

(6)

A New Economy for a New Century

Lester R. Brown

Christopher Flavin

Growing world population and consumption of natural resources threaten to overwhelm efforts at sustainable development. If the rest of the world emulates the Western patterns of energy consumption and exloitation of natural resources, sustaining a global population of perhaps 8 to 10 billion people will be impossible. Lester Brown and Christopher Elavin argue for a shift toward an environmentally sustainable economy for the new century

160

(6)

Understanding Why Governments in Developing Countries Waste Natural Resources

William Ascher

While incompetence and corruption are often perceived to be behind developing countries' inefficient use of natural resources, William Ascher maintains that this is a complicated problem that also has to do with political and programmatic factors. He offers several suggestions to guide more effective resource management

166

(10)

Nor Any Drop to Drink: The World Is Running Out of Water

Ed Metcalfe

The world's water resources are becoming increasingly scare as population growth, urbanization, and industrialization fuel greater demand. Ed Metcalfe reports that inefficient use of water resources is causing aquifers to be depleted faster than they can be replenished. Greater efforts to reduce pollution and to manage water resources are required if conflict over this dwindling resource is to be avoided

176

(3)

The International Politics of Climate Change

Charlie Kronick

Efforts to protect Earth's climate from damage produced by greenhouse gas emissions demonstrate a contrast between the interest of northern industrialized and southern developing countries. The North wants reductions that do not cause undue hardship to their interests and they want the developing world to reduce emissions too. The South objects to having to pay for a problem they did not create. The politics of this issue is becoming more complex and difficult

179

(5)

Helping the World's Poorest

Jeffrey Sachs

Despite prosperity in the industrialized world, the world's poor continue to lag far behind. Jeffrey Sachs suggests that it is in the rich countries' interest to direct science and technology toward finding solutions for the developing world's problems. Creating vaccines to combat diseases, perfecting drought- and disease-resistant crops, and repairing environmental damage, primarily caused by industrialized countries, are among the most pressing problems

184

(4)

Can Biotechnology End Hunger?

Klaus M. Leisinger

Miguel A. Altieri

The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops into developing countries is controversial. Advocates contend that GM foods could help ensure food security, reduce poverty among the rural poor, and, as long as they are used properrly, pose no harm to the environment. Critics claim that GM plants will do little to help poor farmers and will threaten biodiversity

188

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UNIT 6 Women and Development

Overview

198

(27)

Women in Poverty: A New Global Underclass

Mayra Buvinic

Although there have been some improvements in women's well-being over the past two decades, women still lag behind men in both income and access to health care, nutrition, and education. This contributes to the feminization of poverty worldwide and requires policymakers to target measures toward increasing women's access to family planning and reproductive health programs, education, agricultural extension, and credit

200

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Educating Girls Is Life-Saving for the World

Victoria Brittain

Evidence clearly shows that the way to raise economic productivity, lower infant and child mortality rates, and reduce fertility rates is to educate girls. A combination of discrimination and lack of family resources keeps girls from gender equality in the classroom. Institutions such as the World Bank are increasingly calling for poor countries to increase educational opportunities for women

208

(2)

The Challenges for Middle Eastern Women in the 21st Century

Elizabeth Fernea

Although women's rights and roles in the Middle East are among the most restricted, this is changing. Elizabeth Fernea examines the emergence of women in the political arena in the Middle East and attributes this to increased educational opportunity, changes in family relationships, shifting labor patterns, and a fledging women's movement. Although women still face formidable obstacles to exerting political influence, they are making some progress

210

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Women in Latin America: Unequal Progress Toward Equality

Mala Htun

Women have made progress toward equality in much of Latin America, but further efforts are needed. Women are better represented politically and have better access to education and economic opportunity, but they still lack adequate reproductive health care, protection against violence, and equal pay scales. Moreover, discrepancies in education, health care, and legal protection vary both within and between countries in the region

216

(5)

Lower-Caste Women Turn Village Rule Upside Down

Celia W. Dugger

A 1998 Indian constitutional amendment set aside one-third of village council and chief positions for women and a percentage of those must go to lower-caste women. While some women are merely fronting for their husbands, others are taking their positions seriously. Despite opposition, these women are gaining political experience and challenging caste and gender norms

221

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Index

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Test Your Knowledge Form

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