Reflecting on the philosophical assumptions that sustain the development debate, Rabbani analyzes how the modern project of development and the antidevelopment discourse reduce the human condition to a struggle for self-preservation and, likewise, social and international cooperation to a strategic and self-defeating process. The book centers on core inconsistencies in the rationale of both discourses as they stand for individual autonomy, collective self-determination and mutual respect. Building these social goals around the requirement of 'non-interference' in individual or collective affairs, neither discourse can practically enhance nor coherently sustain respect to people's freedom and diversity. The author argues that any real alternative to the normative reductions and actual destructions carried on by international development theory and practice would have to recover the non-contingent solidarity implied in people's search for self-understanding. Awareness of this human condition, in its turn, actively fosters relations of universal inclusion and global friendship. Instructors and graduate and undergraduate students in the fields of peace studies, development studies, political sciences and political philosophy; professionals and volunteers working in governmental and non-governmental organizations and development agencies will find this volume ideally fit for purpose.

About the Author
Dr Martha Jalali Rabbani, Faculty, Peace and Conflict Studies Program, Department of Humanities and Western Civilization, University of Kansas, USA

Reviews
'...a unique, profound and daring case for why real development cannot be a unilateral endeavour. The unconventional conclusion that yet may ring so familiar to those who are sincerely engaged in the pursuit of people's well-being is that we all live in an underdeveloped world and that development can only be fostered when all parties are allowed and welcomed to contribute to the well-being of everyone else.' Greg Mortenson, Founder, Central Asia Institute, USA 'The book approaches the subject of development from a perspective that has been almost absent from the development debate: its philosophical foundations and the normative value of its arguments and counter-arguments. It goes beyond the current state of the discussion and presents an all-embracing alternative that confers meaning to development, carried within a spirit of cooperation and inclusiveness. This alternative aims towards the construction of a peaceful world. This is a highly useful book for scholarly discussions and even more so for development agents working in the so called developing countries.' Leonardo Boff, Rio de Janeiro University, Brazil 'It is time for action. Martha Jalali demonstrates that development means all the diverse people - until the limit of unicity - working together, inspired by the universal principles. We have a common destiny, a unique human family and a unique Mother Earth. Each human being is able to create, to invent. That is our hope. But now it is urgent to act. Socially, environmentally and ethically, we cannot be guided anymore by the most powerful and rich. We, the peoples... , as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, must resolve not to remain silent. In the dawn of a new century and millennium, the time for a new commencement has arrived.' Federico Mayor, FundaciA(3)n Cultura de Paz, Spain



Book Information
ISBN 9781138260931
Author Martha Jalali Rabbani
Format Paperback
Page Count 196
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g